Additional Economic Measures Against Turkey May Be Implemented

Viktor Ozerov, the head of Russia’s upper house of parliament’s international committee chairman for defense and security said that the additional measures against Turkey could be implemented if Ankara does not make an official apology not "only before the Russian authorities, but before the families of the pilot killed."

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Further economic measures against Turkey may be implemented if Ankara refuses to apologize for downing the Russian Su-24 Fencer bomber jet over Syria, the head of Russia’s upper house of parliament’s international committee chairman for defense and security said Thursday.

“Russia is expecting an official reaction from Turkey on acknowledging that its actions [against the Su-24] were illegal, waiting for an official apology not only before the Russian authorities, but before the families [of the pilot killed]. Depending on the form this is done will depend on which other measures will be taken in regard to Turkey,” Viktor Ozerov said.

Earlier on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Turkey would not get away with a murder of Russian people with tomatoes, or some limitations in the construction sphere and other industries, referring to the economic measures imposed on the country.

On Tuesday, the Russian government backed a proposal by Putin to impose restrictions against Turkey due to security concerns in light of the November 24 incident with the Russian Su-24.

The measures include a ban on charter air travel between the two countries, directions to travel agencies not to sell tours to Russian citizens that involve visiting Turkey and restricts on the import of certain goods from Turkey.