Andrey Krutko: "It's Not Worth Scaring Russia!"

However, undoubtedly, the most important issue remained the Syrian question and its consequences. For example, the introduction of Russian ground troops to support their Syrian colleagues.
- Many questions are being asked about how long our military operation in Syria will last and whether Russian ground troops will participate in the operation. I would like to answer, referring to our leader, that this operation is exclusively air and space-based, and there will be no participation of other Russian troops in ground operations. The duration of the operation will depend on how successfully the armed forces of the Syrian authorities restore their positions on the ground. We are providing them with significant support in advancing to the east of the country and returning legitimate authority to their territory. From the very first days, the number of combat sorties has fluctuated from 20 to 50, with a peak of 88 sorties, - noted the ambassador.
Many experts, including Kyrgyz ones, have interpreted Vladimir Putin's move as "the second Afghanistan." They saw public support for the special operation until the first "cargo 200" from Syria and terrorist attacks on Russian territory, which a weakened Russia would not be able to prevent. Andrey Andreevich referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was once criticized for the elimination of militant camps in Dagestan and Chechnya. He promised that the CSTO would protect Central Asia and Kyrgyzstan from the threat of the caliphate.
- Unfortunately, terrorism has become a part of our everyday life. Many once opposed the war with armed groups in Dagestan, fearing a retaliatory strike on Moscow and other cities. But Vladimir Vladimirovich said that if we do not strike at international terrorist bases and are afraid, then terrorists will sooner or later strike. We must act preemptively, - Krutko reminded those present. – We are told that a global conflict between Sunnis and Shiites is being resolved in Syria. We believe this is not the case. Firstly, the regime in Damascus is supported by a moderate part of the Sunnis, and secondly, the heads of states with legitimate regimes, both Sunni and Shiite, told Vladimir Vladimirovich at the 70th UN session that they support his decision. So this information is not accurate. I would also like to remind you that about 20 million citizens of Russia practice Islam – both Sunnis and Shiites. And our task is to ensure not only interfaith harmony but also harmony among our Muslim believers, as terrorists exploit this situation to exacerbate contradictions between them. To those who threaten us with a global Sunni jihad – we say: it is not worth frightening Russia! The main threat to both Russia and the entire world is the creation of an unpredictable terrorist extremist caliphate. Under current conditions, neither European states nor Central Asian countries can feel secure. This also applies to Kyrgyzstan. It has long been known that the system of terrorism is a system that penetrates into all cracks with a nourishing environment – social problems. And I would like to quote the words of the head of state, Almazbek Sharshenovich Atambayev: "The fight against ISIS in Syria meets the interests of Kyrgyzstan. We support Russia's actions in delivering airstrikes against ISIS positions. CSTO member states must think about protecting their borders. After all, the goal of ISIS is to create a caliphate in Central Asia." For my part, I would like to assure you that Russia is doing everything to ensure that our actions in Syria do not weaken but strengthen the military shield of the CSTO, which also protects Kyrgyzstan. As you know, we have a CSTO base in Kant, and its purpose is to combat the possible infiltration of armed terrorist groups into Kyrgyz territory. We all remember the Batken events, and the presence of the base is a guarantee that the events when terrorists could only be stopped at a great cost to Kyrgyz fighters will not be repeated.