The leaders of France and Russia met in Moscow:
Putin:
- Russian and Syrian forces intensified attacks on area where Russian jet downed
- Ready to support other groups in Syria that are fighting ISIL
- Suspects convoy of trucks hit by air strike near Turkey-Syria border was not carrying humanitarian aid
- We consider Turkish strike a betrayal
- Never entered our heads that a Russian jet could be hit by a country we consider an ally
- Putin had informed United States-led coalition about time and place where Russian jet would be when it was downed
- Question arises, why should we give that information to the United States
Hollande:
- Will increase support for rebel groups fighting Islamic State
- For France it's clear that Assad has no place in future of Syria
- France will exchange intelligence with Russia on Islamic State
- France/Russia have agreed to intensify strikes against ISIL
- Agreed with Putin that forces fighting Islamic State will not be targeted
- Essential to avoid any escalation of tensions after Turks downed Russian jet
Russia today promised economic retaliation against Turkey. There are widespread reports that Turkish trucks are being turned away at the Georgia border.
