TheCable

The remains of the Russian pilot in the military jet that was shot down last week has been flown to Moscow, capital of Russia.

Reuters quoted military authorities as saying the body left the Turkish capital of Ankara “very early” on Monday.

“The repatriation followed a military funeral service attended by the Russian ambassador and other military officials,” read a statement issued by the military.

His body was said to have been flown from Syria to southern Turkey and then flown to Ankara.

The downing of the jet has prompted a major rupture in relations between the two countries, with Putin this weekend signing off on a raft of sanctions against Turkey.

A co-pilot of ill-fated aircraft who ejected himself from the plane was captured by rebels but special Russian forces secured his release a day later.

Turkey had accused Russia of violating its airspace.

Photo Credit: Reuters