Russian President Vladimir Putin’s insistence on extraordinary security measures, including a Russian fighter jet escort, is reportedly the main obstacle to a long-postponed official visit to Turkey.
Although officials have cited various reasons for the delay, sources reveal that Putin’s specific demands are proving difficult for Ankara to accommodate.
One major sticking point is Putin’s request to be escorted by Russian fighter jets, potentially due to concerns about Ukrainian air defense systems along the flight path. This demand poses a significant challenge as Turkey, a NATO member, would likely need to disable its own air defense systems to avoid perceiving the Russian jets as hostile. This prospect is causing understandable apprehension in Ankara.
Furthermore, Putin’s security team is reportedly uneasy about the Russian president staying at US-owned hotels in Ankara, viewing them as potential security risks. This has led to discussions about the possibility of Putin being hosted at a government guest house, a highly unusual protocol.
These demands are highly atypical in diplomatic circles. Former Turkish ambassadors, familiar with protocols surrounding state visits, confirm the unusual nature of Putin’s requests, particularly the demand for a fighter jet escort.
While Turkish officials have previously offered gestures like sending their own jets as a courtesy escort, no precedent exists for a visiting head of state bringing their own fighter jets, potentially landing them on Turkish soil.
This latest development comes after months of speculation regarding Putin’s reluctance to travel to Turkey, with sources previously indicating concerns over potential threats to his safety given Turkey’s NATO membership.
The extraordinary nature of these demands, particularly in the context of heightened tensions between Russia and the West, throws further doubt on the likelihood of Putin visiting Ankara anytime soon.