[Russia]: Message for Turkey

[Zak]

RUSSIAN FEDERATION​

Dear Minister Sümeyye Boz Çakı,

The Government of Russia respectfully submits, through confidential channels, a request for your discreet cooperation regarding supplementary protective measures tied to our Olympic delegation.

Following a comprehensive multi-agency risk review, several low-probability but high-impact contingencies have been identified, particularly those involving rapidly evolving, non-conventional threats that may outpace standard response timelines. In order to mitigate such risks without altering the visible security environment, we propose the quiet establishment of a limited-scope contingency framework under embassy jurisdiction.

Specifically, we request authorization for:

The temporary placement of a compact, specialized rapid-response detachment within the secured perimeter of the Russian diplomatic compound.​

The pre-positioning of non-heavy, defensive equipment strictly intended for close protection and emergency extraction scenarios.​

The designation of a controlled standby posture, enabling deployment only under clearly defined trigger conditions communicated in advance through secure liaison channels.​

This element would remain entirely self-contained, operating under strict rules of non-interference. Personnel would maintain a low signature profile, utilize unmarked transport where necessary, and refrain from any independent movement beyond embassy grounds unless expressly coordinated with designated Turkish authorities.

To ensure full transparency at the appropriate level, while preserving operational discretion, we propose the establishment of a bilateral coordination cell. This channel would allow real-time information exchange, pre-clearance of any contingency activation, and immediate deconfliction with local security services. All identifying details, including personnel rotations and equipment manifests, can be provided incrementally and on a need-to-know basis.

We underscore that:

This measure is strictly precautionary and defensive in nature.​

It is designed to complement the robust security framework already provided by Turkey.​

It will remain time-bound, with full withdrawal upon the conclusion of Olympic activities or at your government’s request.​

Our shared priority remains the uninterrupted and secure conduct of international sporting events, free from incident or escalation. This proposal is intended to quietly reinforce that objective while preserving the public atmosphere of normalcy and cooperation.

We appreciate your discretion and consideration of this sensitive matter and remain ready to provide further clarification through secure diplomatic channels at your convenience.

Kind Regards,
Sergey Lavrov
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Russian Federation

This email and any accompanying documents are intended exclusively for the designated recipient(s) and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, please inform the sender immediately and permanently delete this message from your system. Any unauthorized access, reproduction, distribution, or use of this communication is strictly prohibited.

Please be advised that all correspondence originating from the Russian Federation is transmitted using state-sanctioned encryption protocols. While every effort has been made to ensure this message and its attachments are free from harmful content, the sender cannot accept liability for any potential damage or data loss resulting from their use.

Jay

 

[Jay]

Dışişleri Bakanlığı Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

AUTHENTIC COMMUNIQUE OF THE OFFICE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Security Clearance: Secure and Encrypted ŞİFRELEME KORUMASI: KAPLUĞA​

[Recipient]: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Russia < Zak > [Sender]: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye < SÇBoz@db.tr.gov > [Subject]: Confidential // Olympic 2008 Security Considerations

Dear Minister Lavrov, The Government of Türkiye acknowledges receipt of your message and appreciates the care and discretion with which it has been conveyed. We recognize the sensitivity of the matters outlined and the importance your government places on ensuring the safety and security of its Olympic delegation. Türkiye requests clarification regarding the size, composition, and operational parameters of the suggested rapid-response detachment, as well as a more precise description of the “non-heavy, defensive equipment” intended for pre-positioning. At the same time, we would like to underscore that Türkiye maintains highly capable and specialized security units dedicated to diplomatic and high-level protection. This includes advanced close protection teams comparable to counter-assault units, as well as the Gendarmerie Diplomatic Protection Service. These elements are fully prepared to provide comprehensive security support for your delegation and diplomatic personnel throughout the duration of the Olympic events. Given these existing capabilities, we are confident in our ability to ensure the safety of all accredited delegations, including that of the Russian Federation. We therefore encourage close coordination with Turkish authorities to integrate any additional requirements within the established national security framework. We remain open to limited deployments of Russian security services if required. My office is ready to review further details as they are provided. Respectfully, Sümeyye Boz Minister of Foreign Affairs Türkiye

 

[Zak]

RUSSIAN FEDERATION​

Dear Minister Sümeyye Boz Çakı,

I thank you for your considered and constructive response, and for the assurances provided regarding Türkiye’s extensive security capabilities. We recognize and respect the professionalism of your specialized units, including your close protection and diplomatic security services, and we welcome the spirit of cooperation you have emphasized.

Allow me to provide the requested clarifications.

The proposed rapid-response component would include a limited detachment of officers from the OMON Special Purpose Mobile Unit, selected for their experience in high-risk protective operations and emergency response. This detachment would remain modest in size and strictly focused on protective and contingency functions. Its role would be confined to close protection coordination, emergency liaison, and evacuation planning, operating at all times in direct coordination with designated Turkish counterparts.

With regard to equipment, the reference to “non-heavy, defensive equipment” pertains solely to standard personal protective gear and limited defensive tools consistent with close protection duties. This would not include heavy weaponry, offensive systems, or any assets exceeding a strictly defensive mandate.

We fully acknowledge Türkiye’s sovereign responsibility and primary role in ensuring security on its territory. Our intention is not to duplicate or interfere with your established framework, but to complement it in a narrowly defined and cooperative manner, particularly in relation to internal coordination requirements and contingency readiness specific to our delegation.

We welcome your proposal for close coordination and stand ready to engage immediately at the technical level to ensure full transparency, procedural alignment, and full respect for Turkish regulations. Any such deployment would remain subject to your government’s approval and oversight.

I trust that this clarification will assist your review, and I remain at your disposal for any further discussions.

Kind Regards,
Sergey Lavrov
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Russian Federation

This email and any accompanying documents are intended exclusively for the designated recipient(s) and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, please inform the sender immediately and permanently delete this message from your system. Any unauthorized access, reproduction, distribution, or use of this communication is strictly prohibited.

Please be advised that all correspondence originating from the Russian Federation is transmitted using state-sanctioned encryption protocols. While every effort has been made to ensure this message and its attachments are free from harmful content, the sender cannot accept liability for any potential damage or data loss resulting from their use.

Jay