US Intelligence: Russia's intervention in Syria is an attempt to divert attention from Ukraine
The Head of the Intelligence Department of the Pentagon, Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart, has stated that Russia’s intervention in Syria is an attempt to divert attention away from its actions in Ukraine.
According to Defense News, Stewart said the military action in the Middle East is a part of the "Grand Plan" to obtain concessions from the international community in the conflict with Ukraine.
"The recent snap exercises have been realistic, they have been threatening, they have shown a level of sophistication that I have not seen in 20 or so years,” the General added. According to him, Moscow deliberately tried to blur the boundaries between the military exercises and the preparation for operations on the territory of other states.
He also mentioned that in the future the Russian troops will have a lower number. However, they will be more prepared to operate on the periphery of the country.