Vladimir Putin’s pull-out of Syria timed to maximum effect

Vladimir Putin’s decision to withdraw his forces from Syria puts Russia in a powerful position as negotiations on the future of the war-torn country get under way, writes Mark Galeotti

AFTER five years of brutal fighting and two weeks of a scrappy ceasefire, President Vladimir Putin has suddenly announced that “the main part” of Russia’s forces currently in Syria will begin to be withdrawn.

Assuming this is not some public relations stunt (and if it is, it will very quickly become clear, seriously damaging Moscow’s credibility), then it represents a shrewd and pragmatic move.