Putin extends economic sanctions against Turkey

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed an order to extend Russian economic sanctions against Turkey, a statement from the Kremlin said.

Sanctions were first imposed after November 24, when Turkish forces shot down a Russian fighter that had violated Turkish airspace despite repeated warnings.

The order on Monday implements sanctions that were included in the initial sanctions imposed on Turkey on November 28, but which had not yet been implemented.

The new order also imposed a ban on the operations of several organisations under the jurisdiction of Turkey as well as a limitation of Turkish organisations’ activities in Russia.

The president also on Monday ordered the compilation of a list of agreements between the two nations, and activities under these agreements will be excluded from Russian sanctions against Turkey.

Read: Turkey’s PM threatens to sanction Russia

The sanctions against Turkey imposed on November 28 included restrictions on the use of Turkish labor in Russia and a ban on the import of some Turkish goods.

The sanctions included the unilateral suspension of the visa-free regime for Turkish nationals traveling to Russia starting in 2016. Russian travel agencies are also to suspend the sale to Russian citizens of travel packages to Turkey. The sanctions also introduced a ban on charter flights between Russia and Turkey.

The order excluded Turkish citizens who have temporary or permanent residence permits in Russia, as well as Turkish citizens – including their family members – who have been assigned to diplomatic representations and consulates.

The order also prohibits the employment of Turkish citizens by Russian employers as of January 1, 2016. The prohibition will exclude employees who have already been officially hired as of December 31, 2015. ​

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