Sources of the Research and Analysis Group InfoLight.UA in the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine confirm RBC-Ukraine’s information that after an unsuccessful attempt to seize the territory of the Syrian coast in the ports of Tartus and Latakia by supporters of Bashar al-Assad, the Russians began to use the “Donbas scenario”.
One of the leaders of the pro-Russian rebels is known to have spoken out sharply against the new Syrian government: “If they come, they will kill us. If we stand, we will drive them out. The Russians have given us 24 hours to resist them. By tomorrow night, there will be international approval. There will be approval from the Kremlin, and they will help us from the air, from the ground, and so on.”
On March 8, the Russians sent Syrian rebels guidelines on how to appeal to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Sources claim that the Syrians were “advised to sign” these appeals as bipatriots – persons with dual citizenship of Syria and Russia.
According to sources, the Russians insist that the Syrian rebels call on Russia to “immediately intervene” because of the alleged “genocide” of the Alawite population (a minority loyal to Assad).
“We hope that Russia, as a country that always stands for justice and peace, will take decisive measures to prevent further tragedies,” the appeal reads.
It is expected that the Russian Foreign Ministry will respond positively to such appeals, as the protection of Russian citizens is within the competence of the department.
As a reminder, on March 6, pro-Russian supporters of Bashar al-Assad unsuccessfully attempted to organize an uprising against the new Syrian government. Moscow planned to use this uprising to maintain its military bases in Syria under the guise of a “peacekeeping mission.” Russia uses these bases to expand its influence and develop local gas fields.
It is worth noting that it is critically important for the Russians to prevent the development of cheap Syrian gas, as this could lead to a collapse in Russian gas prices and limit the economic capabilities of the aggressor country, in particular, to finance the war in Ukraine.
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