The video will start in 8 Cancel

News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Russia discussed declaring war on Turkey after its Su-24 was shot down last month, it has been revealed.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has said the incident on November 24, which resulted in the death of a Russian pilot, gave grounds for war.

However Russia decided against "symmetrical response".

Mr Medvedev told a Russian TV station: "What did 20th-century countries used to do in a similar situation? A war began.

(Image: Reuters)

"That was a direct assault on a foreign state. In the present situation a war is the worst what could happen.

"That’s why a decision was taken not to give a symmetrical answer to what the Turks had done.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

(Image: Rex)

"Yet we had to make them understand they’re going to hold responsibility for their actions.

"Exactly for that reason and for the safety of our citizens the relevant decisions were taken."

(Image: Reuters) (Image: Getty Images)

Russia has been flying bombing missions against Syrian rebels and ISIS.

However Turkey said the jet had violated its airspace.

(Image: EPA)

The wreckage landed in Syria, with one pilot, named as Lieutenant Colonel Oleg Peshov, killed by Syrian rebels while his colleague, Captain Konstantin Murakhtin, was saved in an overnight operation by Russian special forces.

It has been confirmed that David Cameron discussed the incident with Putin over the phone.

A Kremlin statement read: "The two leaders exchanged views on current matters concerning security in the Middle East, particularly with regard to efforts to reach a settlement in Syria.

(Image: Getty)

"Mr Putin and Mr Cameron noted that their two countries share similar views regarding the threat posed by ISIS and other terrorist groups active in the region. In this context, they discussed ways to organise bilateral cooperation through various state agencies.

"Mr Cameron expressed his condolences over the destruction of Russia’s fighter plane in Syria. Mr Putin invited British specialists to take part in decoding the data from the downed Su-24 plane’s flight recorders."