Report: Turkey refuses entry to Russian long-haul trucks

MOSCOW – A Russian trucking union and lobby group says the country's long-haul trucks will no longer be allowed into Turkey.

The Association of International Truckers said Monday that Turkey refused to renew an agreement allowing Russian truckers to bring goods into Turkey.

Relations between Turkey and Russia have been fraught since a Turkish fighter jet shot down a Russian bomber for allegedly violating Turkish airspace on Nov. 24.

In retaliation, Russia introduced a slew of economic sanctions against Turkey. Ankara has not officially levied sanctions against Russia.

A Turkish government official confirmed the agreement had expired but could not immediately confirm that Turkey was refusing to renew it. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government rules.

Trade between the countries was worth $31 billion in 2014.

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Suzan Fraser in Ankara contributed to this report.