In connection with the aggravation of relations between the United States and the Russian Federation, and also in view of the growing military-political pressure, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the problems and fears associated with the increasing activity of the West and the United States in particular against Russia: NATO is approaching Russia’s Western border, placing a “missile shield” in Eastern Europe (Poland, Romania) in addition to the radar network associated with the Turkish missile shield. And this is not to mention the installation of anti-missile complex THAAD in South Korea and Alaska. All of these actions are a political warning, which in response will inevitably lead to the strengthening of the Russian military potential, including nuclear.
These statements coincided with the beginning of Russian military escalation in Syria. Russian troops advanced deeper into areas of Aleppo and es-Suwaidy, and also increased the intensity of air strikes on positions of the Syrian armed opposition in the areas of al-Badia and Deraa.
Russia toughens its rhetoric in connection with the tensions in relations with the new American administration against the background of a number of contradictions, ranging from the American description of Russia as “enemy of the state” and refusing to change its policy. USA impose new sanctions, insist on deploying a missile defense system in Europe, Asia and Alaska. As for Syria, the United States returned to their positions that existed under the former US President who called for changing “the Syrian regime”. United States to strengthen its military presence in Syria has increased its military contingent and the number of military bases (there was seven), to which are allied the forces of the Syrian regime in al-Badia, not paying attention at the meetings in Astana and Geneva and not recognizing their results. A decision on the Syrian settlement suspended until Washington completes the fight against ISIS in raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. The dominance of the terrorist elements and their allies in the Syrian regions makes them a problem for Russia, putting pressure in the demand for the output units of the Iranian militia from Syria. Such action will serve as a starting point for dialogue with Moscow to resolve this problem, but would mean the loss of positions in the region to agreement with Washington.
Media with reference to secretsites of the UN on Syria, Stephan de Mistura report on Russia’s reaction to the US position on the Syrian issue. He stated that shocked by the disinterest of the US administration in a political settlement in Syria. Washington provides the interests of their own national security, which manifest themselves in preserving security at the borders of its allies, particularly Israel and Jordan in southern Syria, including the protection of allies from ISIS, jabhat an-Nusra (banned in Russia — approx. ed.) and the threat from Hizbollah. And the US administration alone can guarantee the realization of these interests and needs in Russia.
“The US administration did not care about the fate of Bashar al-Assad. But if Russia intends to keep him as President, it will affect Russia and, in addition, may affect the interests of the Americans,” said U.S. Secretary of state Rex Tillerson his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
According to de Mistura, this situation will cause criticism from Russia, because she would lose agreement with the American side. And it can push it to the adoption of the “best initiatives” in relation to the settlement of the situation in Syria.
© RIA Novosti, the Russian defense Ministry | go to photobacteria aircraft-carrying cruiser (TAVKR) “Admiral Kuznetsov” (foreground) and TFR “Admiral Grigorovich”
Russia has expressed concern over the new us approach. First, it has increased its military presence in the Arctic: Putin ordered the establishment there of a military base. Second, placed missiles “Iskander” in Kaliningrad, claiming that they are able to destroy the defense missile shield in Europe within ten minutes. Finally, it has strengthened its naval presence off the coast of Syria with the help of 15 ships, among them frigates “Admiral Grigorovich” and “Admiral Essen”, equipped with cruise missiles “Calibre”. And recently joined the submarine “Krasnodar”, also equipped with missiles “Caliber”.
In addition, Russia announced the start of production of new MiG-31, able to accelerate to a speed of 3000 km/h, the MiG – 41, the maximum speed of which is 4500 km/h, the “Dad of all bombs” and nuclear submarine needs no crew. All this is done to increase the intensity of their actions against the positions of the armed Syrian opposition and groups who supported Washington in the region of al Badia. And also to join the race for dominance in the region after the elimination of ISIS. Russia, on the one hand, sent their military aircraft to perform combat missions on the Eastern border to support the attack by government forces of the regime and the Iranian armed forces in the areas of HOMS and Aleppo. But on the other hand, Russia has rejected an agreement between the Syrian democratic forces and the Islamic state of resignation last of Raqqa and forced government forces and their allies to participate in the liberation of this city.
Moscow has not only intensified military action in Syria but supported the government forces and their allies in the attack on the Syrian armed opposition in the regions of Hama, HOMS and Deraa. In addition, Russia has initiated the creation of “zones of de-escalation”, defining the boundaries of the districts included in this zone. This decision was accompanied by attacks from the media, warning about the consequences that will result in the division of the country into zones of influence. Subsequently, these zones will serve as a model for future sharing of the Syrian territory. The President of Russia at the St. Petersburg international economic forum commented on the situation. According to Vladimir Putin: “Russia’s position is based on preserving the unity of Syria, cooperation with the government of President Assad for reducing tension in the Syrian areas, organization of any dialogue — all formula for future cooperation in order to restore the control of the Central government of Syria over its entire territory and preserve the unity of the state.”
Political and military actions of Russia are connected with the desire of Putin to return the country to its former greatness of the Soviet Union. Moscow confronts Washington, which seeks to make their presence in the Arab Mashreq and whose success will mean the collapse of the Russian plans.
