Putin — US knew of flight path of Russian jet downed by Turkey

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia had given the United States the flight path of the military jet before it was downed by Turkey on the Syrian border. 

"The American side, which leads the coalition that Turkey belongs to, knew about the location and time of our planes' flights, and we were hit exactly there and at that time," Putin said at a joint press conference with French counterpart Francois Hollande in the Kremlin.

The US has not yet responded to Putin's claims....

Putin has also accused Turkey of buying oil from the Islamic State (IS) group, whose financing heavily relies on the sale of energy resources.

Putin said there was "no doubt" that oil from "terrorist-controlled" territory in Syria was making its way across the border into Turkey.

"We see from the sky where these vehicles [carrying oil] are going," Putin said. "They are going to Turkey day and night."

"These barrels are not only carrying oil but also the blood of our citizens because with this money terrorists buy weapons and ammunition and then organise bloody attacks," he added....

On stupid or evil:

Putin on Thursday dismissed Turkey's claim as “rubbish” that it would not have shot down the jet if it had known it was Russian.

"They [our planes] have identification signs and these are well visible," Putin said. "Instead of [...] ensuring this never happens again, we are hearing unintelligible explanations and statements that there is nothing to apologise about."

Middle East Eye

Putin: US knew of flight path of Russian jet downed by Turkey