Russians in UN pledge on Syria’s border
THE RUSSIAN military said that its forces in Syria will help UN peacekeepers fully restore patrols along the frontier with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, reflecting Moscow’s deepening role in mediating between the decades-old foes.
The Russian deployment has also highlighted Moscow’s growing clout in the region, where it seeks to balance the sharply conflicting interests of Israel and Iran.
Lt Gen Sergei Kuralenko said: “The Russian flag is the guarantor of peace and security on that land.”
He noted that Russian and Israeli officials have maintained regular communications, adding that “operations by Russian military police help ensure the security of Israel”.
Russia has been President Bashar Assad’s number one backer against rebels seeking to oust him.
Moscow’s military intervention in Syria has turned the tide of the war in his favour, helping his forces recapture key areas from the opposition.
Russian military police have been deploying in all areas recaptured from rebels, including on the edge of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, after Syrian government forces regained control of the area last month.
Lt Gen Kuralenko said the Russian military police have set up four checkpoints on the edge of the demilitarised zone and plan to add another four.
He said: “The Russian military police work in close interaction with the UN,” adding that they have set up a hotline with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and held regular meetings to coordinate their actions.
He noted that a top priority for the Russian military police is to help clear mines left by militants.