The Russian president lashed out at “part of the leadership in Turkey" during his annual address to the Russian parliament, accusing Ankara of having trade ties with terrorist groups operating in Syria and Iraq.

The Russian president lashed out at “part of the leadership in Turkey" during his annual address to the Russian parliament, accusing Ankara of having trade ties with terrorist groups operating in Syria and Iraq, and of being responsible for the deaths of Russian troops caused by the downing of a Russian warplane last month.

Putin stressed that Moscow’s anger over the downing of the jet  is directed at particular individuals and not at the Turkish people.

“We have many friends in Turkey,” Putin said. “They should know that we do not equate them and part of the current Turkish leadership, which holds a direct responsibility for the deaths of our troops in Syria,” he said.

Putin said Russia still cannot comprehend why the downing of the plane happened. He added that the killing of Russian officers would have long-term consequences for those responsible.

 “We will not forget this aid to terrorists. We have always considered betrayal the worst and most shameful act. Let those in Turkey know it who shot our pilots in the back, who hypocritically tries to justify themselves and their actions and cover up the crimes of terrorists,” he said.

 “We were prepared to cooperate with Turkey on most sensitive issues and go further than their allies. Allah knows why they did it. Apparently Allah decided to punish the ruling clique in Turkey by taking their sanity,” Putin added.

Putin said Russia would not resort to saber-rattling to respond to the Turkish actions, but neither would it limit itself to the economic sanctions it imposed since the incident.

He stressed that the Russian operation in Syria is aimed first and foremost at preventing fighters who went to the Middle East from Russia and its neighboring coun