On Dec. 1, Russia finally lifted its ban on imports of Turkish tomatoes completely. This was one of the last sanctions against Turkey that Moscow introduced shortly after Turkey downed a Russian jet Nov. 24, 2015. Two years ago, the incident put Russian-Turkish relations on the brink of collapse, risking a war between the two nations.

Russians were furious with Turkey’s actions. Anti-Turkish demonstrations took place in front of the Turkish Embassy in Moscow and Turkish consulates in Kazan, Stavropol and St. Petersburg. Russian social networks were flooded with harsh criticism of Turkey.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the incident a "stab in the back" committed by "accomplices of terrorists" and promised the tragic event would have significant consequences for Russian-Turkish relations. Days later, the Russian government imposed bans on charter flights from Russia to Turkey and on imports of certain Turkish goods, including many fruits and vegetables. A number of Turkish organizations and businesses operating in Russia were restricted. Russian companies were banned from hiring Turkish employees. The government also “advised” Russian travel agencies to stop selling tours to Turkish resorts. At the same time, Moscow didn’t refuse to implement large interstate projects such as construction of the first nuclear power plant in Turkey and the Turkish Stream gas pipeline.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan didn’t extend an apology until June 2016. Two months later, Putin and Erdogan met for the first time since the incident. Relations between the countries have gradually improved since then. Almost all Russian sanctions have been lifted, with the exception of unilateral visa requirements for Turkish citizens — yet this is also being negotiated.