Russia warns Israel

Russia warns Israeli "hotheads" not to "get drunk on the opportunities created" in connection with the situation in Syria and reminds that the annexation of the Golan Heights is categorically unacceptable. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in an interview with the TASS analytical center.

The Deputy Minister was asked which external players are present "behind the scenes" of the situation in Syria. “The United States is definitely watching,” Ryabkov replied. “Of course, the beneficiary of what is happening is Israel. And I would like to warn some of the ‘hotheads’ in West Jerusalem not to get drunk on opportunities. And remind them, among other things, that the annexation of the Golan Heights, which many are talking about now, is categorically unacceptable. Israel must return to the full implementation of the famous 1974 agreement with Syria.”

On December 8, Israeli troops took control of the Syrian side of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights without encountering resistance. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the 1974 power-sharing agreement with Syria has become invalid because Syrian troops left the area after the change of government in Damascus.

Russian-Turkish relations may deteriorate sharply and return to the state observed in 2015-2016. Turkologist Ruben Safrastyan said this in an interview with NEWS.am on the "Factor of Power" program.

"We must not forget that from a strategic perspective, Turkey is part of the West and a loyal ally of the United States."

Despite moves by Turkey and Russia to forge closer ties in recent years, they are fraying under American pressure. A prime example is the war in Ukraine, where Turkish weapons are being supplied and used to kill Russian soldiers. Russia has recently condemned this, although it has previously been silent.

In addition, Turkey has closed the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, preventing Russian warships from leaving the Black Sea. This is important because Russia is unable to compensate for the losses suffered by ships from other seas as a result of Ukrainian attacks. This means that Turkey is weakening Russia's Black Sea Fleet.

"At the same time, problems have arisen in the construction and commissioning of nuclear power plants in Turkey. In addition, Ankara, again under US pressure, sharply reduced the import of Russian gas, which Moscow also does not like," the Turkologist noted.