Putin: Russia may use more military strength in Syria if needed

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday: “The Russian armed forces have not employed all their capability in Syria and may use more means there if necessary.” After another diatribe against Turkish President Tayyp Erdogan, Putin commented: “As for the current Turkish leadership, nothing is eternal.”

DEBKAfile reports that the Russian leader is unrelenting in his campaign against Erdogan since the Turkish air force downed a Russian warplane. Putin is reported as demanding in a phone conversation with President Barack Obama that the Americans compel Ankara to pull its forces out of northern Iraq. Erdogan responded that he is reminded of the days when the KGB ruled Russia. He denied hearing any US demand to withdraw his troops from Iraq.

Our sources report that the Turkish leader is trying to put a brave face on the decision by Washington and Moscow to together push the Turkish presence out of Iraq and Syria.