Russia has reaffirmed its support for a unified and stable Syria, warning that continued unrest could have far-reaching consequences across the Middle East, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.
The statement comes as fierce clashes between supporters of ousted president Bashar al-Assad and the country’s new Islamist rulers have left more than 1,000 dead, the majority of them civilians. Assad, once backed by Moscow, fled to Russia in December following his removal from power.
With two strategically significant military bases in Syria, Russia is seeking to maintain its presence in the country despite Assad’s downfall.
“This is an extremely volatile region, and any further destabilization or fragmentation of Syria could lead to disastrous consequences,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “We want to see Syria united, prosperous, and predictable—one that remains a friendly partner.”
Peskov also confirmed that Russia is engaging with international counterparts regarding the situation.
Meanwhile, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, told the state-run TASS news agency on Monday that Moscow is in talks with the United States amid the escalating violence in Syria.