Europe Can Sink Putin

All roads lead to Damascus

The Ukrainian Directorate of Intelligence reported yesterday that Russia will move its troops, army, and mercenaries from Africa to Syria. I believe they will. Putin doesn’t have much choice in the matter.

“For Russia, Syria had been a success story, a demonstration of its ability to influence events in the Middle East. Moscow has invested significant time and effort in Syria since 2015, and it will therefore do what it can to prevent the government’s collapse. Amid the war in Ukraine, defeat in Syria or even wider rebel gains would be a blow to the Kremlin’s credibility and a victory for its adversaries. The offensive has thus opened a new front for Russia, one that will demand additional weapons and resources”.

Putin is not in a position to send additional troops already fighting for their lives in Ukraine. With Turkey blocking exit and entry from the Black Sea, access to Syria through the Mediterranean has become a significant challenge for Russian forces. They are now reaching Syria by taking a circuitous route around Europe. Assad doesn’t have much time before his position becomes untenable. The Russian troops in Africa are Putin’s only viable option to maintain his foothold in the Middle East.