Russia does not want a clash with NATO, says top NATO general

NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Philip Breedlove, on Thursday said that a confrontation between NATO countries and Russia should be avoided.

Speaking about the events of the past few days, the General expressed the view that the necessary de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the issues that are important for Moscow and Ankara.

"We don't want escalation, and de-escalate the situation. It is therefore time to discuss it. I don't think that Russia wants a conflict with NATO or Turkey. And I can confidently say that Turkey and NATO don't want any conflict with Russia," the General said.

On November 24, two Turkish F-16 fighter jets on an aerial patrol intercepted a Russian warplane within rules of engagement when it violated Turkish airspace near the Syrian border.

The Russian warplane received 10 warnings about its violation within five minutes before it was shot down.

This was not the first time Russian warplanes had violated Turkish airspace. Back in October, Russian warplanes had violated Turkish airspace after which Russian officials had apologized and pledged that such incidents would not reoccur in the future.