AP, Moscow :
President Vladimir Putin warned today that Russia can again build up its forces in Syria “in a few hours” if necessary, and will continue striking extremist groups.
Putin, who ordered a partial withdrawal of Russian warplanes from Syria earlier this week, said that Russia has kept some forces in Syria to support the Syrian army’s action against ISIS, the Nusra Front and other extremist groups. He also emphasized that the Russian military will be ready to use an array of air defense missile systems it has in Syria “against any targets that would threaten our servicemen.”
Putin’s statement underlined Russia’s intention to maintain a strong military presence in Syria to keep its gains after a 5 and-a-half-month air campaign that has helped turn the tide of war and allowed Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces to make significant advances.
Speaking during a Kremlin ceremony honoring Russian military officers who have taken part in the Syrian campaign, Putin said that the action in Syria has demonstrated Russia’s “leadership, will and responsibility” in fighting “enemies of civilization.”
Russian warplanes have conducted more than 9,000 combat missions since the air campaign began on September 30, allowing the Syrian army “to gain strategic initiative,” Putin said.
He said the action in Syria cost the military about 33 billion rubles (about $480 million), adding that the Defense Ministry already had those funds earlier earmarked for maneuvers and used them instead to finance the Syrian campaign.
“There is no more efficient way of training than real combat,” he said, adding that the military action in Syria allowed the Russian armed forces to test its long-range cruise missiles and other new weapons in real action for the first time.
Putin added that a Russian- and US-brokered ceasefire that began on February 27 has now allowed Russia to reduce its military presence in Syria. The number of Russian air missions flown in Syria has dropped from 60-80 to 20-30 a day, meaning that some warplanes could be sent home, he said without saying how many warplanes will stay in Syria.
Putin said that Assad had been informed in advance about the Russian pullout and supported the decision.
Putin praised the Syrian ruler for what he described as his readiness to contribute to a peaceful settlement. “We have seen his restraint, a sincere striving for peace and readiness for compromise and dialogue,” he said.
The Russian president voiced hope that the partial withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria would send an “important positive signal” and help Syria peace talks that began in Geneva on Monday.
While praising cooperation with the US in negotiating the truce, Putin warned that the Russian military remaining in Syria would be ready to act against any groups that would violate the cease-fire.
President Vladimir Putin warned today that Russia can again build up its forces in Syria “in a few hours” if necessary, and will continue striking extremist groups.
Putin, who ordered a partial withdrawal of Russian warplanes from Syria earlier this week, said that Russia has kept some forces in Syria to support the Syrian army’s action against ISIS, the Nusra Front and other extremist groups. He also emphasized that the Russian military will be ready to use an array of air defense missile systems it has in Syria “against any targets that would threaten our servicemen.”
Putin’s statement underlined Russia’s intention to maintain a strong military presence in Syria to keep its gains after a 5 and-a-half-month air campaign that has helped turn the tide of war and allowed Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces to make significant advances.
Speaking during a Kremlin ceremony honoring Russian military officers who have taken part in the Syrian campaign, Putin said that the action in Syria has demonstrated Russia’s “leadership, will and responsibility” in fighting “enemies of civilization.”
Russian warplanes have conducted more than 9,000 combat missions since the air campaign began on September 30, allowing the Syrian army “to gain strategic initiative,” Putin said.
He said the action in Syria cost the military about 33 billion rubles (about $480 million), adding that the Defense Ministry already had those funds earlier earmarked for maneuvers and used them instead to finance the Syrian campaign.
“There is no more efficient way of training than real combat,” he said, adding that the military action in Syria allowed the Russian armed forces to test its long-range cruise missiles and other new weapons in real action for the first time.
Putin added that a Russian- and US-brokered ceasefire that began on February 27 has now allowed Russia to reduce its military presence in Syria. The number of Russian air missions flown in Syria has dropped from 60-80 to 20-30 a day, meaning that some warplanes could be sent home, he said without saying how many warplanes will stay in Syria.
Putin said that Assad had been informed in advance about the Russian pullout and supported the decision.
Putin praised the Syrian ruler for what he described as his readiness to contribute to a peaceful settlement. “We have seen his restraint, a sincere striving for peace and readiness for compromise and dialogue,” he said.
The Russian president voiced hope that the partial withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria would send an “important positive signal” and help Syria peace talks that began in Geneva on Monday.
While praising cooperation with the US in negotiating the truce, Putin warned that the Russian military remaining in Syria would be ready to act against any groups that would violate the cease-fire.
