In The Media
Petr Topychkanov
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Source: Getty
In The Media
Putin Says He Wants Concrete Proof Before Deciding on Syria
Although Putin’s statements have been seen as flexible rhetoric, Russia’s policy toward Syria has not changed.
Published on Sep 5, 2013
Source: RFI's World News Explained
RFI spoke to Petr Topychkanov, an analyst at the Carnegie Moscow Center, who says Putin's comments are an about-turn from his previous rhetoric supporting Assad. However, despite Putin’s statements, which have been seen as pivoting and flexible rhetoric, Topychkanov maintained that Russia’s policy toward Syria has not changed.
Topychkanov said that the sticking point remains the evidence and confirmation of the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime or possibly another party, information required by Russia prior to renewed engagement or an alternative course of action. Russia's influence, leadership, and continued support of Assad is a key determinate of the balance of power in the conflict, and as such will prove a major factor in its outcome. The primary juncture on the horizon remains the prospect of a unilateral strike, without UN approval, by the West against regime targets in Syria—this continues to be the main point of concern in relations between Putin's Russia and the West, Topychkanov concluded.
About the Author
Petr Topychkanov
Former Fellow, Nonproliferation Program, Moscow Center
Topychkanov was a fellow in the Carnegie Moscow Center’s Nonproliferation Program.
- Iranian and Russian Perspectives on the Global System
- Premonition of Nuclear ThreatIn The Media
Petr Topychkanov
Recent Work
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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