Russia in Denial About Turk Shoot-Down

[Blue_Tires]

Putin couldn’t believe the Turks would keep their word by attacking a plane violating their airspace.

MOSCOW — On Tuesday morning after Turkish fighter jets downed a Russian Su-24 warplane, and even after Ankara confirmed the incident officially, Moscow at first could not or would not believe it was true.

Only late in the afternoon did President Vladimir Putin speak about "serious consequences" for the relations between Russia and Turkey. "We always treated Turkey not only as a neighbor but as a friendly state. I don't know who needed this, but not us, for sure," Putin said.

“This incident stands out against the usual fight against terrorism,” Putin said. “Our troops are fighting heroically against terrorists, risking their lives. But the loss we suffered today came from a stab in the back delivered by accomplices of the terrorists.”

Putin was angry that instead of immediately getting in touch with Russia, Turkey appealed to its NATO partners, "as if it were Russia who shot down its own plane. Do they want to put NATO at the service of ISIS?" Putin wondered.

The remarks came after a long day of confused responses.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/11/24/russia-in-denial-about-turk-shoot-down.html?source=socialflow&via=twitter_page&account=thedailybeast&medium=twitter

[randome]

1. Putin is working with antiquated equipment in order to bolster his creds. A dangerous combination.

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/things-can-always-get-worse

For all the worry and Putin worship we see today, what I find most worrisome about the Russians is that I strongly suspect their readiness, expertise at military craft, hardware etc are all basically third rate. That means that when they get into confrontations with first rate military powers - the US and NATO signatories, for instance - they'll likely embarrass themselves. That's great in nationalistic terms and as comeuppance for the destructive and reckless actions Russia has been taking in recent years. But it also means, they'll be driven to save face - especially given how much nationalistic resurgence and cult of personality is central to Putin's rule. And that is especially dangerous.

[hr][font color="blue"][center]Precision and concision. That's the game.[/center][/font][hr]

[bigdarryl]

2. Since when did this Josh Marsh become a expert in Russian Military

[randome]

4. He's a journalist. I have no doubt he knows more than me.

But what he says here has the ring of truth to it.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Precision and concision. That's the game.[/center][/font][hr]

[bigdarryl]

6. Hoes that has he been to Russia to see there military infrastructure

My guess is he'snot

[951-Riverside]

5. Why would Russia need the latest equipment when they have nukes?

Thank goodness this writer isn't in a position of power or diplomacy because that would be "especially dangerous".

[MineralMan]

3. The Turks are very sensitive about their air space.

Truly.