By championing Mr. Assad and condemning American “aggression,” President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia seemed to be burying the idea that he could somehow cooperate with the Trump administration to end the conflict on his terms.
The solidarity with Damascus is likely to cause problems for Russia in the long run, analysts said, although Mr. Putin probably cannot be persuaded to loosen his embrace any time soon.
Continue reading the main story
RELATED COVERAGE
Dozens of U.S. Missiles Hit Air Base in Syria APRIL 6, 2017
Russia Suspends Cooperation With U.S. in Syria After Missile Strikes APRIL 7, 2017
Syria Strike Puts U.S. Relationship With Russia at Risk APRIL 7, 2017
Weren’t Syria’s Chemical Weapons Destroyed? It’s Complicated APRIL 7, 2017
NEWS ANALYSIS
Acting on Instinct, Trump Upends His Own Foreign Policy APRIL 7, 2017
The Russian government often takes its time to react to major world events, but the Kremlin issued a prompt statement early Friday castigating the United States for the missile strikes on Al Shayrat airfield in retaliation for Syria’s chemical weapons attack…
“Putin made a choice — to underline that Assad is his ally,” said Aleksandr Morozov, an independent political analyst. “This will lead to Russia’s further isolation, but Putin will stand his ground.”
Join the conversation as a VIP Member