Russia readies warships/ helicopter gunships for Syria

Russia has announced it is readying two warships to sail to Syria to protect Russian citizens, in a sign that it is taking precautions against a worsening of the security situation there.
Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, has denied that Russia is selling arms to Syria which can be used against civilians, and Russia says it is not violating any UN sanctions or treaty obligations in doing so. Last year, Russia sold anti-aircraft missiles to Syria as well as missile batteries designed to fend off seaborne attacks, and signed a contract to supply 36 Yak-130 trainer aircraft for $550m. Recently it signed a contract to supply 24 MiG-29 advanced fighter bombers.

Russia has admitted it is repairing a number of helicopter gunships for the Syrian army which were originally sold in Soviet times. According to news reports, these helicopters are en route to Syria from the Russian port of Kaliningrad, although Russia’s defence minister declined to comment on the story on Monday.

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