Answer: Russian absolutely, positively, backs Syria. They will do so with combined arms and special forces and advisors. They want a warm water port in the Med, and they want influence in the Middle East. Bank it.
Russia only backs Russia. Good grief, you people are Putin’s dupes.
So long Assad helps Rusky propaganda in Russia and elsewhere amongst his fans, Russia is happy.
This war, like Chechnya war number 2 is solely for ideological purposes. Same with Maoist Kurds who only loved the war insomuch it promoted their ideology
As I said above in post #54, I see no evidence of that yet. Turkish AF is operating without opposition, bombing military, civilian and infrastructure. Looks like SAA will soon enter Manbij and Ayn Issa, where they are likely to come into contact with Turkish backed fighters. Then we will see if Turkey is willing to fight Assad, and if Russia will play any role. I think Russia stays clear.