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Putin fears trip to Turkey, requests fighter escort

11.09.2024 17:25
President Putin is postponing his trip to Turkey due to fears of being shot down by Ukrainians and concerns over NATO air defense systems, while requesting Russian fighter jets for escort and facing accommodation issues.
Russian President Vladimir Putin looks out of a plane window during the flight to the center for the construction of large-tonnage offshore structures (CSCMS) of Novatek-Murmansk company in the village of Belokamenka in the Murmansk region, Russia 20 July 2023.
Russian President Vladimir Putin looks out of a plane window during the flight to the center for the construction of large-tonnage offshore structures (CSCMS) of Novatek-Murmansk company in the village of Belokamenka in the Murmansk region, Russia 20 July 2023. PAP/EPA/ALEXANDER KAZAKOV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL

According to the portal Middle East Eye, as reported by the Polish state news agency PAP, Vladimir Putin has requested Russian fighter jets to escort his plane during his visit to Turkey due to fears of being shot down by Ukrainians.

Military News UA claims that Turkey is unable to disable NATO's air defense systems, which would view Russian aircraft as threats, resulting in repeated delays of the meeting.

The visit has already been postponed several times due to these unusual security demands.

Russia is concerned that Turkey’s NATO air defense systems might classify Putin’s aircraft as a danger.

Additionally, there are issues with accommodating the Russian president, as the three main hotels in Ankara are American-owned, which the Kremlin delegation deems unsafe.

Negotiations are ongoing regarding Putin's visit to Turkey, which is tentatively scheduled for early October 2024.

Source: PAP/X/@front_ukrainian

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