Turkey bans Russian aircraft heading towards Syria

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says the ban will be effective for three months, according to local media.

The move undermines Russia's large-scale air campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, forcing Russian aircraft to take longer routes.

Turkey supports resistance groups in Syria opposing President Assad, the BBC writes, broadcasts Klankosova.tv.

Turkey, a NATO member, has refrained from widespread sanctions imposed on Russia by the EU and the US for its invasion in Ukraine. But it has blocked Russian warships from entering the Black Sea through its waters.

The Turkish government is trying to mediate between Russia and Ukraine to achieve a ceasefire.

Millions of Russians go on vacation in Turkey every year, but the conflict in Ukraine is expected to cause a major decline in visits by Russians and Ukrainians this year.