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Russians say no to compromise with Turkey until Ankara apologizes for downing jet

According to polls about 78% of Russians are against Moscow-Ankara compromise and 54% consider Turkey a losing side of bilateral sanctions
Turkish Embassy in Moscow after a protest, November 24, 2015  Valeriy Sharifulin/TASS
Turkish Embassy in Moscow after a protest, November 24, 2015
© Valeriy Sharifulin/TASS

MOSCOW, February 29. /TASS/. Some 78% of Russians say Moscow should not come to a compromise with Turkey until Ankara officially apologizes for downing Russia’s Su-24 warplane late last year, a state-run pollster said on Monday.

Around 11% of Russians said Moscow should restore relations even if Turkey fails to apologize, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) said.

"Most our citizens do not feel negative consequences due to break [in relations] with Ankara," sociologists say.

Half of respondents - 54% - say Turkey is the losing side of the current conflict and bilateral sanctions. Another 35% of Russians say both countries are affected equally.

The poll was conducted on February 6-7 among 1,600 respondents in 46 Russian regions.

On November 24, 2015 Turkey shot down Russia's Sukhoi Su-24M bomber that took part in the anti-terrorism operation in the sky over Syria close to the border with Turkey. Pilot of the bomber was killed by gunfire from the ground. Ankara offered no apology to Moscow and relations of Russia and Turkey sharply deteriorated.