Russia's Position on Syria

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    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
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In The Media

Russia's Position on Syria

Although Russia has already missed its opportunity to salvage key political and economic interests in Syria, it will likely continue to oppose foreign military intervention and efforts aimed at regime change.

By Matthew Rojansky

Published on Feb 24, 2012

Source: BBC World Service

In an interview with BBC World Service, Carnegie’s Matthew Rojansky argued that Russia has likely missed its opportunity to salvage its “big ticket interests” in Syria, such as access to the Mediterranean through ports in Tartus and Latakia and oil field contracts. Rojansky noted that the Kremlin remains categorically opposed to the idea of foreign military intervention to bring about regime change in Syria. Outside interference in Syria’s domestic affairs represents “a clear red line for the Russians,” he explained. Nevertheless, Russia could still play “a key diplomatic role” in evacuating the Assad family or “brokering a real cease fire deal,” he concluded.

About the Author

Matthew Rojansky

Former Deputy Director, Russia and Eurasia Program

Rojansky, formerly executive director of the Partnership for a Secure America, is an expert on U.S. and Russian national security and nuclear-weapon policies.

Recent Work

Paper
An Opportunity for Ambition: Ukraine’s OSCE Chairmanship
- Matthew Rojansky
In The Media
Presiding Over the OSCE: Challenges and Opportunities
- Matthew Rojansky

Foreign Policy Middle East Syria Caucasus Russia

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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