Russian ship fires warning shots at Turks

Smetilvy, a guided missile destroyer, was unable to establish radio contact with the approaching ship, according to a ministry statement.

The Russian defence ministry said its frigate Smetlivy spotted the fishing boat when it was 1,000m (3,000ft) away heading towards the Russian vessel’s starboard side.

“As the Turkish seine boat sailed about 600 meters close to the Russian surveillance ship, in order to prevent the ships’ collision, small arms were used along the Turkish vessel’s path at a guaranteed survivability distance”, it added.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who was in Rome for talks on Libya, said Ankara was investigating the matter and would make a statement once it had more information.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Turkey of shooting down the plane to protect a secret oil trade with the terrorist group ISIS.

The ministry said the Turkish fishing ship changed course after that and kept about 540 meters from the Smetlivy, but didnt contact the Russian warship.

“We are not in favour of tensions”.

“We don’t want tensions”.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov on Sunday summoned Turkey’s defense attache Ahmet Gunes to warn him of possible consequences of Turkey’s actions against the Russian military, a defense ministry spokesman said. Russian Federation and the surviving pilot said no warning was received.

Cavusoglu said on Friday that Ankara’s patience with Moscow after the downing of the warplane was “not unlimited”.

Relations have been tense between the governments since Turkey shot down a Russian bomber on November 24, claiming that it had violated Turkish airspace.