“With Syria, Russia will finally have access to the warm water port it has desired for centuries.”
It has one already. It’s why Putin took back Crimea, that prior to Kruschev giving the Crimea away to Ukraine in the 50’s, was Russian territory for years. Putin wasn’t going to allow this warm water port to come under the influence of the West, when Ukraine overthrew their Russia friendly leader, with the help of Western powers. Another warm water port under Russian influence in Syria, is frosting on the cake.
“Another warm water port under Russian influence in Syria, is frosting on the cake.”
How many cakes do you want to frost for Russia?
However, the Ukraine only provides access to the Black Sea and access to the Black Sea can be controlled at the Dardanelles.
People who thought the EU would waltz into the Crimea without Russia objecting have to have had their heads in the sand. Five little words: Black Sea Fleet at Sevastapol.