Putin Threatens Turkey Again: 'Economic Sanctions Are Not the End'

Continuing the ongoing struggle between Moscow and Ankara, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, threatened Turkey on Thursday, stating that in response to the downing of a Russian warplane in Syria, it should expect further retaliatory actions. Mr. Putin said on Thursday, December 3, during his annual address that although Moscow will not use its military capabilities against Turkey in response to the downing of its warplane, it will not limit itself to economic sanctions either. According to the Russian news agency Interfax, the Russian President stated, 'The priority of [Moscow's] actions is based on responsibility to our country and our people. We will not engage in show of force. But if someone thinks they can commit war crimes, kill our people, and only face actions and restrictions against tomato trade and other structures, they are very mistaken.' Vladimir Putin had previously issued a ban on the import of certain agricultural products from Turkey to Russia and other sanctions against this country. However, the Russian President did not provide further details on the promised sanctions against Turkey in his address to the Federal Assembly on Thursday. At the same time, Mr. Putin called for the formation of a 'broad international front against terrorism.' According to the Associated Press, the Russian President severely criticized Turkey, emphasizing its oil trade with the Islamic State (ISIS). Vladimir Putin said, 'We know Turkey is filling its pockets and allowing terrorists to earn money by selling oil stolen from Syria.' The Russian President added that 'bandits use this money to hire mercenaries, buy weapons, and create conditions for the murder of our citizens and citizens of France, Lebanon, Mali, and other countries.' On Wednesday, Russia also released images it claims prove Turkey's oil trade with ISIS, accusing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his family of being complicit in this trade. Mr. Erdogan denied this accusation, stating that if it were true, he would resign from his position.