Putin’s stance on the Syrian crisis has further strained Russia’s already tense relationship with its Western counterparts. Earlier this month, Russia started launching airstrikes in Syria. A spokesperson from Russia’s embassy in Washington, D.C. has reiterated Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s assertion that “the airstrikes are targeted at ISIL [Islamic State], Nusra, and other terrorist groups.” Western officials, … Continue reading Russian Airstrikes in Syria Deepen Tensions with Western Governments