Thu Dec 19 11:37:40 UTC 2024: ## Putin Claims Victory in Syria, Promises to Interrogate Assad on Missing U.S. Journalist
**Moscow, December 19, 2024** – Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted today that Russia’s military intervention in Syria was a success, refuting claims of defeat. In his annual end-of-year press conference, Putin stated that Russia had achieved its goal of preventing the creation of a terrorist enclave in Syria and that negotiations are underway to maintain Russia’s two primary military bases within the country.
While acknowledging he has yet to meet with the recently installed Syrian leadership, Putin confirmed plans to do so and pledged to directly question them about the whereabouts of missing American journalist Austin Tice. He also indicated that he would raise the issue with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who recently sought refuge in Moscow.
Putin emphasized that discussions with Syrian officials regarding the continued presence of Russian military bases have been largely positive, and suggested that Russia’s air and naval bases could be utilized for humanitarian aid distribution. He further challenged Western nations’ recent attempts to establish relations with the new Syrian government, questioning their previous characterization of the regime as a terrorist entity. The Russian leader attributed the shift in Western relations to the success of Russia’s intervention.
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