Putin’s Actions on Syria Speak Louder Than Words

Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that Russia “had advised the Syrian leadership to work towards ending the bloodshed in the country.” The Russian Ministry of Defense, however, announced that the Russian Navy’s Vice-Admiral Kulakov, an Udaloy-class destroyer, entered the Syrian port of Tartus on Tuesday for weeklong maintenance works. “The stopping of the Russian vessel in Syria will last for about a week. During its stay in the port, the crew will carry out the planned repair works and maintenance of the weaponry and equipment, check the main technical systems and mechanisms for proper work,” Capt. 1st Rank Vadim Serga told journalists. Hadi al-Bahra, president of the Syrian Coalition, said earlier that “if Russia is serious about finding a solution to the conflict, it must stop its financial and military support for the Assad regime. Making such proposals while continuing this substantial support for the Assad regime means that Russia wants to impose a solution on the Syrian people, and that it does not it seek to be an impartial mediator in any peace talks aimed at achieving the aspirations of the Syrian people. (Source: Syrian Coalition)