Putin Breaks Silence on Syria Crisis: 'Haven't Met Assad Since Granting Him Asylum in Moscow'
Moscow, Russia - Russian President Vladimir Putin has broken his silence on the ongoing Syria crisis, asserting that Moscow's prestige has not been diminished by the ouster of key ally Bashar Assad.
During his annual news conference and call-in show on Thursday, Putin addressed the situation in Syria, denying that his decision to grant Assad asylum in Moscow had harmed Russia's reputation.
"They want to present everything happening in Syria as some kind of failure for Russia, but that is not the case," Putin said.
Putin's comments come amidst international pressure on Russia to end its support for Assad, who has been accused of war crimes and human rights abuses. Western powers have long argued that Assad's removal from power is necessary to resolve the conflict in Syria.
However, Putin has maintained that Assad is the legitimate leader of Syria and that his removal would only destabilize the country further. He has also accused the West of supporting extremist groups in Syria, including the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
In his news conference, Putin dismissed concerns that Russia's prestige had been damaged by its role in Syria. He argued that Russia had achieved its objectives in the conflict, including preventing the spread of terrorism and strengthening its presence in the Middle East.
"We have been supporting the Syrian government, and we will continue to do so," Putin said. "We believe that the Syrian people should be allowed to decide their own future."
Putin's comments indicate that Russia remains committed to its involvement in Syria, despite international condemnation and calls for a political solution to the conflict.
The news conference also saw Putin address a wide range of other issues, including the economy, foreign policy, and social welfare. He used the platform to reinforce his authority and demonstrate his control over Russian affairs.
The event, which lasted about 4 1/2 hours, was tightly choreographed, with questions carefully selected and vetted in advance. Putin used the opportunity to showcase his knowledge and command of a wide range of topics, ranging from consumer prices to military hardware.
Putin's annual news conference is a closely watched event in Russia and abroad. It provides an opportunity for the president to address a wide range of issues and demonstrate his authority and control over the country.
🇷🇺 Putin Denies Syria Stumble, Asserts Russian Strength 💪
President Putin dismisses claims of Russia's failure in Syria, emphasizing its strong position. #Russia #Syria #PutinPower
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