It is important to underscore once again that the Russian leader did not announce the total withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria. President Putin emphasized that Russia would pull out the "bulk of its forces" deployed to Syria.
Both Moscow and Washington would like a peace power transition, but neither want extremists to come to power.
At the same time, Russian cannot leave Damascus without military assistance, the expert said. A total pullout would be a political defeat and undermine all combat achievements.
"In fact, Vladimir Putin doesn’t seem to be ready to leave Syria without a Russian military presence. Rumors are going around that in summer Russia may send its only aircraft carrier – the Admiral Kuznetsov – to Syria. Putin may replace aircraft with an aircraft carrier," Rodier told Atlantico.
Furthermore, the analyst praised the role the Russian military has played in the Syrian crisis, saying that "Vladimir Putin acted faultlessly."
"In fact, the Russian engagement saved the situation. Backed by Russian airstrikes, the Syrian Army managed to launch an offensive against terrorists across the country," Rodier said.
