Turkey downs Russian warplane on November 24, 2015. Photo: yahoonews.com

(VOVworld) – Relations between Turkey and Russia are tenser than ever after Turkey shot down a Russian war plane on the Syrian border Tuesday. VOV’s correspondent in Russia reports that Russian TV channels are running continuous reports on the plane’s downing and the Russian government’s response to the incident.

At an emergency meeting convened Tuesday in Brussels at Turkey’s request, NATO issued a short statement echoing appeals for calm from world leaders as fears grow of more clashes between coalition and Russian planes in the skies over Syria. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said diplomacy and de-escalation are important to resolve this situation, adding that it’s necessary to find appropriate mechanisms to avoid similar accidents in the future.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon expressed his concerns about the incident and called on all parties to take drastic steps to de-escalate tensions.

US President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande urged Moscow and Ankara to maintain their dialogue and avoid actions that would escalate tensions.

No meetings have been scheduled between NATO and Russia since the incident. Russian experts said Turkey’s move was in retaliation for Russian attacks on a pipeline transferring oil from IS-controlled territory to Turkey, noting that Turkey has violated an agreement signed by parties cooperating in the fight against terrorism.

In a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly condemned Turkey’s act, calling it a stab in the back. The State Duma vowed to punish Turkey by severing diplomatic ties and imposing a food embargo.  Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov canceled a planned visit to Turkey Wednesday, and warned Russians against travelling to Turkey. In Moscow, hundreds of Russians carrying banners protested in front of the Turkish Embassy Tuesday evening.