Russia is demanding an explanation from Turkish authorities after Ankara detained a Syrian civilian airplane en route from Moscow to Damascus with Russian citizens on board, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
The ministry said that Turkish authorities refused to grant Russian diplomatic staff access to 17 Russian citizens on board during the eight hours that the flight was held up because of suspicions the aircraft was carrying military equipment.
"The Russian side is insisting on an explanation of the reasons for such actions by the Turkish authorities," the statement said. It said that "the lives and safety of the passengers were placed under threat" by the incident.
- Reuters
READ MORE
Russia's aggression unrelenting four years after Ukraine invasion
Russian missile barrage hits energy, railways across Ukraine
Struggle to find answers for woman whose husband died fighting for Russia
Family's agony as son's future is shattered on Russian battlefield
