Andrei Karlov killing: the fallout

Synopsis

Russia's ambassador to Turkey, Andre Carlo, is assassinated at an art opening in Ankara by a lone gunman who shouts slogans about civilian deaths in Syria. This incident occurs during a critical period when Turkey and Russia are attempting to negotiate their conflicting interests in Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan supports rebels opposing Bashar al-Assad's regime, while Russian President Vladimir Putin backs Assad, leading to the defeat of Turkish-backed rebels in Aleppo. Andre Carlo plays a vital role in negotiations for evacuating civilians and fighters from Eastern Aleppo. The shooter, a 22-year-old policeman, is killed by Turkish security forces immediately after the attack. He claims to hold Carlo and Russia responsible for civilian casualties in Syria. Meanwhile, Turkey's foreign minister meets with Russian and Iranian counterparts in Moscow to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Idlib province, where Turkish-backed fighters and Iranian-backed militias are in conflict. The assassination complicates Turkey's relationship with Russia and the ongoing situation in Syria.