The downing of the Russian plane by Turkey’s air forces struck a blow against the international struggle aimed at fighting terrorism, Armenia’s Defense Minister said Wednesday, November 25, according to Tert.am.

“The international community’s attention is of course focused on this particular incident,” Seyran Ohanyan said. “Now that the global community is united for the fight against terrorism, this move was a blow against those efforts,” Ohanyan told a news conference.

He added that Armenia’s position largely depends on the country’s strategic alliance with Russia.

“We have to wait for new developments. I am confident corresponding [state] leaders will decide on future steps, with the international community making efforts to prevent [further] escalation,” he said.

Asked whether Armenia’s air defense forces might have to bolster combat readiness, Ohanyan said: “We carry out joint task planning activities with our ally, the Russian base’s presence ensuring security protection on the border.”