Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the U.S. had received information of the flight path of one of it’s jets in Syria before it was downed by Turkish forces on the border.
“The American side, which leads the coalition that Turkey belongs to, knew about the location and time of our planes’ flights, and we were hit exactly there and at that time,” Mr. Putin said at a join press conference with French President Francois Hollande, the Agence France Presse reported.
Turkey claims it downed the Russian plane that entered its airspace after sending repeated warnings to the pilot.
Russia claims no such warnings were given and that the jet crossed in to Turkish airspace for only a few seconds.
Mr. Putin blasted Turkey for not issuing an apology. Turkish President Erdogan has ruled out such a move. Mr. Putin also said Turkey’s claim that it would not have shot down they plane if it had known it was Russia was “rubbish.”
“They [our planes] have identification signs and these are well visible,” Mr. Putin said, AFP reported. “Instead of… ensuring this never happens again, we are hearing unintelligible explanations and statement that there is nothing to apologize about.”
Mr. Putin has accused Turkey of buying oil from Islamic State terrorists, alleging Turkish forces are terrorist accomplices.
“We see from the sky where these vehicles [carrying oil] are going,” Mr. Putin said. “They are going to Turkey day and night.”
“These barrels are not only carrying oil but also the blood of our citizens because with this money terrorists buy weapons and ammunition and then organize bloody attacks,” he added.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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