Putin Defies West, Maintains Syria Stance

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is not ready to shift its stance on supporting the Syrian government, and suggested Western nations are using militant groups such as al-Qaida to help drive Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is not ready to shift its stance on supporting the Syrian government, and suggested Western nations are using militant groups such as al-Qaida to help drive Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power.

Speaking on Russia Today television, Putin questioned why Russia should be the only one reassessing its position. He said “Perhaps our negotiating partners should re-evaluate their position.”

The Russian leader was asked whether Moscow should rethink its views on Syria after vetoing three Western-backed U.N. Security Council resolutions designed to pressure Assad to end violence that has killed 20,000 people.

Without naming any country, he said Western nations looking to oust Assad are backing militants to help topple him. He called it a “very dangerous and shortsighted policy.”