Russia Suspends Visa-Free Travel With Turkey For Supporting Isis

In the latest update about tensions between the two NATO members it is reported Russia to suspend visa-free travel with Turkey starting next year on January 1. The head of the State Duma’s international affairs committee said the decision may again be changed back to existing if Ankara stops supporting the Islamic State, commonly known as Isis or ISIL, in Syria, Iraq and other places.

Moscow briefed the press on Friday saying terrorists are using Turkish territory as a transit zone to supply arms to war zone Syria and militants may also use the same route in carrying out terror attacks in Russia.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov added Turkey has not been sharing information with them about the Russian citizens accused of involvement in terrorist activities.

Tensions escalated after a Russian warplane was shot down by Turkish fighter jet alleging it violated the airspace even after repeated warnings. Responding to the act Moscow continued claiming the plane was within the Syrian borders and didn’t violate Turkey’s airspace. It was no threat to Turkey and was meant to target Isis sights in Syria in defense of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Turkey enjoys extensive trade ties with Russia, but it has also long sought Assad’s ouster.

Meanwhile, United Nations has urged the two nations to engage in dialogue to reduce tensions in the region.