Russian troops will not fight in Syria 'for now', says Putin

Vladimir Putin denies battlefield role for Russian forces in Syria ahead of key UN speech, but reiterates calls to support Bashar Assad's embattled Syrian government

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) gives an interview to American journalist Charlie Rose for CBS Photo: Reuters

A baby is rescued after an airstrike by forces loyal to Assad in Damascus

By Roland Oliphant, Moscow-28 Sep 2015

Russian ground troops will not take part in battlefield operations in Syria“for now”, but Russia will continue to provide close support to Bashar al-Assad in an effort to “save” the embattled Syrian regime, Vladimir Putinhas said.

Speaking ahead of a much anticipated speech to the United Nations General Assembly later today, Mr Putin said the recent Russian military build up in Syria was prompted by domestic security concerns, and denied plans to expand Russia’s role in the greater Middle East.

Russian Troops Will Not Fight in Syria 'for Now', Says Putin by Thavam Ratna