Coincidence? Turkish Soldiers Banned From Spending Holidays in Russia

The Turkish General Staff has forbidden its military personnel from spending holidays in Russia. The decision comes a few weeks after Russia's Su-24 jet was brought down by Turkish air forces.

Against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Russia and Turkey, the latter banned its military staff from visiting Russia and spending holidays there, Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported.

According to the newspaper, the relevant order was issued by the General Staff of Turkey. The ban applies to all units of the Turkish armed forces.

Earlier it was reported that Ankara does not intend to introduce a visa regime for Russian citizens, despite worsening relations between the two countries.

Relations between Moscow and Ankara became strained after a Turkish jet shot down a Russian Su-24 aircraft over Syria in November, claiming it had violated Turkish airspace. Both the Russian General Staff and the Syrian Air Defense Command stated that the Russian jet had never entered Turkish airspace.

After the incident, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on introducing special economic measures against Turkey. The measures include a ban on the import of certain Turkish goods as well as travel restrictions.