Igor Korotchenko: «Turkey’s action is an act of international terrorism, and Russia’s response will be tough»

Igor Korotchenko, Editor-in-chief of «National Defense» journal, military expert, answers the RUSARMINFO questions. RUSARMINFO: What will be Russia’s response to the actions of the Turkish Air Force in regards to the shot down Russian Su-24?

Igor Korotchenko: At the time of completing its mission, the Russian plane was over the territory of Syria. Accordingly, it did not break into the airspace of Turkey. Therefore, the attack, carried out against our plane, had no legal grounds. Therefore, we should expect a political response from Russia, which is difficult to qualify, but I do think it will be tough.

RUSARMINFO: What steps can be taken to find and rescue the crew members of the downed Su-24?

Igor Korotchenko: Everything will depend on where they landed and whether the Russian search and rescue team can reach them, because the militants can provoke armed resistance. It’s hard to say something concrete, because the impact area is a “layer cake”. Different groupings are located next to each other.

RUSARMINFO: How will you characterize the actions of Turkey? Igor Korotchenko: Turkey’s action can be considered as an act of international air terrorism. Turkey is a country involved in the Syrian war: they’re conducting hybrid war actions there, helping the rebels, radical Islamist groups. They are purchasing the oil sold by ISIL at dumping prices. Turkey takes no action to suppress these activities, becoming the political and economic beneficiary of this war.