NATO warns Turkey it can't count on support in a conflict with Russia as tensions escalate

European diplomats have warned the Turkish government that it cannot count on the NATO support should the conflict with Russia escalate into an armed conflict, according to German media. 

Ankara has called for a joint ground operation in Syria with its international allies, insisting it is the only way to stop the country's five-year war. Saudi Arabia has said it would be ready to take part in an international force to be deployed in Syria. 

'NATO cannot allow itself to be pulled into a military escalation with Russia as a result of the recent tensions between Russia and Turkey,' he said. 

Asselborn also stressed that Article 5 can only be invoked when a member state is clearly attacked. 

A German diplomat echoed Asselborn's stance and said:  

'We are not going to pay the price for a war started by the Turks.'

On Friday, French President Francois Hollande also said that Europe needs to prevent a conflict between the two nations.

'There is a risk of war between Turkey and Russia,' he said in an interview with France Inter radio.