Mr Putin also said that America - an ally of Turkey on Syria - had known the flight path of the downed Russian jet.

"The American side, which leads the coalition that Turkey belongs to, knew about the location and time of our planes' flights, and we were hit exactly there and at that time," Mr Putin said.

He added that Russian planes were easily identifiable and Turkey was making excuses for its actions.

"They [our planes] have identification signs and these are well visible," Mr Putin said.

[link to news.sky.com]