Putin demands escort of Russia fighter jets for visit to Turkiye, causing further potential delays

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, is reportedly demanding an escort of fighter jets for an upcoming visit to Turkiye, seeming to explain the postponement of several official visits due to the complex nature of such demands. According to the news outlet, Middle East Eye, unnamed sources informed it that Russian President Putin is aiming to fly to Turkiye accompanied by an escort of Russian fighter jets, potentially over concerns regarding Ukraine’s ability to shoot down aircraft en route. Such a demand is said to be a complex matter, however, as Russian fighter jets entering Turkish air space – and possibly to land them in Turkish territory – may trigger NATO air defence systems due to them perceiving the aircraft as enemy […]