Did Turkey Block Entry of Russian Planes at Request of the US?

Turkey’s airports and airlines have not received instructions regarding the US request to prevent the entry of Russian aircraft made by American companies, an informed source has told RIA Novosti. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, in turn, has stated that it is examining the information.

Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing its sources, that Washington is allegedly exerting pressure on Ankara to prohibit the arrival and servicing of flights operated by Russian airlines using American-made aircraft.

“There have been no such directives, operations continue as normal,” the source said. From the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, where the agency made a relevant inquiry, it was reported that a response would be provided after examining the received information.

“We have received your inquiry; the information is being studied,” a representative of the ministry told RIA Novosti.

According to the American newspaper, in December of last year, Assistant Secretary of Commerce Thea Rozman Kendler conveyed Washington's stance to Turkish officials.

The publication believes that this situation will indicate whether the US and its allies can succeed in achieving Russia's long-term isolation or if Russia will continue its economic activities with the help of third countries.

Since the launch of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, Western countries have imposed strict sanctions against Moscow. Among others, the civil aviation sector was under attack. Thus, the EU prohibited the supply of civil aircraft and spare parts to Russia and required lessors to terminate contracts with Russian airlines.

Servicing and insurance services for aircraft have also been banned, while the EU, the US, Canada, and a number of other countries have closed their skies to Russian aircraft, to which Russia has responded in kind.