Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Monday accused Russia of acting like a “terrorist organisation” in Syria. He also vowed to deliver an "extremely decisive response" if the country continues to force Syrian civilians to flee, reported AFP. Davutoglu also criticised the Syrian peace talks that were temporarily paused, calling them "diplomatic theatre" for which "the international community will ultimately bear responsibility".

Tensions between Russia and Turkey have soared after Moscow’s backing of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and its air campaign against what it claims are terrorist targets in Syria. Turkey wants Assad to be ousted and has accused Russia of predominantly bombing Syrian rebel groups backed by the United States and its allies, instead of the Islamic State jihadists. The resulting refugee flow towards Turkey has increased pressure on Ankara to open its border with Syria temporarily, which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has refused to do so far.