The Kremlin reported Monday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin saying "I am sorry" for the downing of a Russian jet last November, an incident Putin had called a "treacherous stab in the back." Russia's air campaign, which began in September, helped shore up Syrian President Bashar Assad, whose foes have been backed by Turkey. Before the plane's downing, Russia had been the largest destination for Turkish exports, mostly textile and food, and also the biggest source of Turkish imports. The downing of the plane reflected simmering tensions between Russia and Turkey, which had backed opposing sides in the Syrian conflict. The plane's co-pilot survived and was rescued, but a Russian marine was killed by militants during the rescue mission near the border.

Source: Fox News June 27, 2016 13:31 UTC