Lessons from Russia’s intervention in Syria

Since the Russian armed forces intervened in the Syrian civil war on 29 August 2015, assessments of their military capabilities differ considerably.

To some, the display of Russian firepower and mobility is a fearsome reminder of the increased Russian military capabilities. For others, the limited success of the Russian campaign so far is an indication of the still-faulty military equipment and limited availability of first-rate weaponry leading them to conclude that Russia would be no meaningful military threat to NATO. The Syrian campaign is very different from a war on NATO's eastern frontier making conclusions about Russia's military threat difficult. But some trends are readable.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Russia and US clear the way for Syria talks http://www.europeansources.info/record/russia-and-us-clear-the-way-for-syria-talks/

ESO: Background information: Davutoglu accuses Russia of attempting ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Syria http://www.europeansources.info/record/davutoglu-accuses-russia-of-attempting-ethnic-cleansing-in-syria/

ESO: Background information: What can we expect from Russia in Syria? http://www.europeansources.info/record/what-can-we-expect-from-russia-in-syria/

ESO: Background information: Putin’s Gamble in Syria / Russia's Military Intervention in Syria Makes It a Key Regional Player / Russia, Syria and the West: Mutually Assured Frustration http://www.europeansources.info/record/putins-gamble-in-syria-russias-military-intervention-in-syria-makes-it-a-key-regional-player-russia-syria-and-the-west-mutually-assured-frustration/

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