Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov admits that Russia can use military aircraft in the event of a renewed escalation of the conflict in Donbas.

"What has been happening in the Middle East, in Syria, namely the active use of Russian fighter jets is very disturbing. We're analyzing the strategy and tactics used by the Russian military in airstrikes and, of course, we're aware that Russia can start using aircraft in case of new escalation of the conflict in the east of the country or along any stretch of our border, and we have to be prepared for this. And, of course, if this is air aggression, we shall defend ourselves and destroy the aggressor in the air," he told Channel 5 on Thursday.

While analyzing the situation with a Russian aircraft recently downed by Turkey, Turchynov said that the Turkish army acted professionally in accordance with all international requirements and standards.

"They [the Russian Federation] have tried a tactic of land warfare in the east of [our] country. They are now using combat aircraft, missiles, including cruise ones [in Syria]. They drop bombs from aircraft, launch missiles from vessels, including from a submarine only to train these launches and target accuracy," he added.