Putin floats conspiracy theory over ambassador assassination during
VLADIMIR PUTIN has said the assassination of Andrei Karlov was a deliberate attempt to damage Russia’s relationship with Turkey.
Putin: Andrey Karlov death an attack on ties with Turkey
Karlov was shot dead during a speech at an art gallery when Mevlut Mert Altintas, 22, shot him in the back five times shouting: “You Russians destroyed Aleppo and Syria.”
The incident, which took place on Monday evening, angered the 64-year-old Russian President and threatened to further destabilise relations between the two nations.
Vladimir Putin said: “The assassination of our ambassador, I think it was actually an attempt on Russian-Turkey relations.
“I was sceptical of the idea that the Russian aircraft was shot down without the consent of the Turkish leadership.
Vladimir Putin believes Karlov's murder was an attempt to damage Russia and Turkey's relationship
There’s a deep level of infiltration in the Turkish army in the Turkish law enforcement officials
“As you remember some of them stated that it was just done by some individuals who wanted to interfere with relations but right now I am changing my opinion.”
Altintas has been identified as an off-duty police officer who worked in the Turkish capital before he assassinated the Russian ambassador to Turkey.
Mr Putin claims there is a conspiracy to destabilise relations between Turkey and Russia. He also hinted at Western involvement in the attack by telling the audience at his press conference "you know who did it".
In November last year a Russian aircraft was shot down by the Turkish army as it flew over the Turkey-Syria border.
Russian officials said the plane was flying 4km into Syria and was not violating Turkey’s airspace.
Vladimir Putin could not hold back how he thinks the Turkish government has been infiltrated
Altintas shot the ambassador five times in the back as he gave his speech
Angered by the continued attempts to strain the Turkish and Russian relationship, Mr Putin spoke out during his end of year address in Moscow.
He said: “Everything is possible, you might have destructive elements in the government.
“There’s a deep level of infiltration in the Turkish army in the Turkish law enforcement officials.
“Certainly I dont want to find a scapegoat or point the finger or somebody but that’s really happening.”