Vladimir Putin thinks the US is right to withdraw its troops from Syria, but has expressed uncertainty about Washington’s announcement, noting that the US military has remained in Afghanistan for seventeen years.
Speaking with journalists during an annual Q&A session, Russia’s president said that American troops have no legal basis for operating in Syria, and if Washington was serious about pulling out its forces, it would be the right decision. Putin noted that the US has announced its “withdrawal” from Afghanistan on numerous occasions, and yet still remains the in country after seventeen years.
Putin said he largely agreed with US President Donald Trump’s assessment that Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) had been defeated, but warned that there was still a danger that surviving fighters could relocate to neighboring countries.
Trump announced on Wednesday that US’ mission in Syria – the defeat of Islamic State – was complete, and that the US military would begin an immediate withdrawal from the country. In a tweet posted a day later, the US leader said his decision was "no surprise" and that it was time for US troops to "come home & rebuild."
Getting out of Syria was no surprise. I’ve been campaigning on it for years, and six months ago, when I very publicly wanted to do it, I agreed to stay longer. Russia, Iran, Syria & others are the local enemy of ISIS. We were doing there work. Time to come home & rebuild. #MAGA— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018
Russia’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the news, with ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova saying that a US withdrawal could bring Syria closer to a “real prospect of political settlement.”
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