Putin approves economic sanctions against Turkey

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday signed a decree imposing economic sanctions against Turkey, the media reported.

The presidential decree, which was posted at the website of the Kremlin, said a ban of charter flights from Russia to Turkey will be introduced, and Russian tourism operators should stop selling tour packages to Turkey, Xinhua news agency reported.

The decree, entitled "On measures to ensure Russia's national security and protect Russian citizens from criminal and other illegal activities and the application of special economic measures against Turkey", came into effect immediately.

In accordance with the decree, Turkish companies of transportation shall be restricted in their operations in Russian territories, with Turkish ships and boats being banned from staying at or navigating across Russian ports, while import of certain goods from Turkey will be halted.

The visa-free travel regime between Russia and Turkey is also formally suspended and Turkish citizens, except Turkish diplomats and their dependents and those with temporary permits of residence, would not be allowed to enter Russia starting January 1, 2016, according to the decree.

The employment of Turkish workers by Russian companies will also face restrictions.

Putin instructed the Russian foreign ministry to inform the Turkish side of the contents of the decree and ordered the government to prepare a detailed list of goods, firms and jobs that would be impacted.

Russia's move came after Turkey shot down Russia's fighter jet on Tuesday, claiming that the Russian warplane violated Turkish airspace, a claim which Moscow vehemently denied and insisted the Su-24 fighter jet stayed over Syria during its flight.