[LINK] "Russia raiding Turkish firms and sending imports back"

[rfmcdonald]

Al Jazeera's Umut Uras notes how Russia is retaliating against Turkey by shutting down economic connections. This was probably inevitable, given that the two sides have foresworn military conflict. I just wonder how many economic partners Russia will have left.

Russian police have been raiding Turkish companies in different regions of Russia and, in some cases, have suspended their operations, two Turkish businessmen with investments in the country have told Al Jazeera.

Moscow has also started sending back Turkish trucks loaded with exports at the border and stopped Turkish tourists - who normally do not need visas - entering the country, at least two businessmen said.

[. . .]

Moscow's move comes after Turkish fighter jets shot down a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 warplane on Tuesday for allegedly violating Turkish airspace.

A senior Turkish official, talking to Al Jazeera, stressed that downing of the Russian plane was an automatic response, but declined to comment on the Russian move against Turkish nationals and goods.

"At this point, we are deliberating what specific steps may be taken, but we are approaching our relations with Russia and other countries in a responsible and constructive manner. The international community cannot afford to be distracted from the key task of fighting ISIS in Syria. We must refocus our attention on this matter," he said on condition of anonymity.