Vladimir Putin is expected to visit Turkey in early October, after cancelling several previously planned visits to the country.
However, President Putin has reportedly issued an ultimatum to Turkey amid growing worries over an assassination plot. The Kremlin made clear to Ankara that President Putin wants his plane to be escorted by Russian fighter jets. This comes as the Russian leader is terrified that Ukraine could shoot down his presidential plane en route to Ankara.
Russia and Turkey have been discussing an official visit from President Putin for almost two years. While officials previously blamed the Russian elections earlier this year for the cancellations, it is thought that President Putin has postponed the trip due to fears of assassination.
In July this year, Ukrainian spy chief Kyrylo Budanov admitted that several attempts have been made to assassinate President Putin. Mr Budanov did not specify whether the Ukrainian government was involved in these attempts on the Kremlin leader
The unusual demand for Russian fighter jets landing in Ankara poses a problem for Turkey, which is a member of NATO.
It is unclear whether the NATO air-defence systems in the country would treat the Russian fighter jets as enemy targets.
This has sparked concerns that Ankara would shut off NATO’s air defence systems to indulge the Russian leader.
Two former Turkish ambassadors told the Middle East Eye (MEE) that the Russian request was very unusual.
One said: “The Turkish government may send fighter jets to escort foreign heads of states as a gesture.
“I cannot recall any visit where the foreign heads of state would like to bring over his or her country’s fighter jets along.”
According to sources, who spoke to MEE, the Kremlin’s security team has also raised concerns about staying in Ankara during the trip.
They are fearful that major hotels in the Turkish capital including the Hilton, Sheraton, and JW Marriott, are unsafe due to their US ownership.
Russia is reportedly demanding that Ankara provide a government guest house for President Putin, which again breaks with traditional diplomatic protocol.
President Putin is reportedly keen to solidify his relationship with Turkey, which has suffered ups and downs in the recent past.
While Russia slammed Ankara for supplying weapons to Kyiv earlier this year, Moscow is also keen to bolster trade between the two countries.
Moscow wants to seal an agreement to build a second nuclear power plant in Turkey’s Sinop, following the one it constructed in Akkuyu.
Both countries are also discussing establishing a gas hub in western Turkey.
