Putin ups rhetoric regarding potential clashes over Syria - analysis

Russia is increasing its rhetoric about the US role in Syria after a series of incidents in which Russian warplanes have harassed and even damaged US drones. The US uses Reaper drones in Syria and has also moved F-22s to the Middle East due to Russia’s threats. US forces operate in Syria to fight ISIS and back the Syrian Democratic Forces, but the Syrian landscape is complex, and Russia plays a role in backing the Syrian regime. Turkey also occupies part of Syria.  

According to Russian state media TASS, “Russia is ready for any scenario, but does not want a direct military clash with the US, the country’s President Vladimir Putin said when asked about the US side's provocations in Syria.”

Putin went on to say that “we are always ready for any scenario, but no one wants this, and on the initiative of the American side we once created a special mechanism to prevent these conflicts. Our heads of certain departments communicate directly with each other, [and] have the opportunity to consult on any crisis situation. This shows that no one wants clashes," Putin told reporters. READ MORE