Russia’s decision to conduct military operations in Syrian came upon an official request from the legitimate Syrian government, Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted.
“In Syria, our armed forces are first of all fighting for Russia, it is the security of our people that they are defending,” Putin said in his annual state of the nation address at the federal assembly on Thursday, noting that Russian forces had convincingly demonstrated their efficiency and growing capabilities.
Putin added that the biggest threat for Russia was coming from gunmen concentrated in Syria, adding “many of them are getting money, weapons, gathering strength. If they get stronger, by winning there, they will inevitably come here to sow fear and hatred, to stage blasts, to kill and torture people.”
Putin expressed confidence that efforts of one country are not enough to defeat international terrorism, saying: “It is impossible to defeat international terrorism through the efforts of just one country, especially in a situation when borders are practically open, and the world is going through a new resettlement of peoples.”
This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
