Putin says Russian military not building long-term in Syria
Russian troops will remain in Syria as long as Moscow thinks it's necessary, but Russia isn't building permanent facilities in the only Middle East country where it has a military foothold, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday in his annual marathon call-in show.
The troops "will stay there for as long as it is to Russia's advantage, and to fulfill our international responsibilities," the Russian leader said during his annual televised call-in show. But, he added, "we are not building long-term installations there and if necessary can withdraw our servicemen quite quickly without any material losses."
Putin didn't elaborate under what circumstances Russia could leave or on Moscow's broader strategy for Syria. Russia uses leased facilities for ships at Tartus and for an air base in Hemeimeem.
