Russia's S-300 Defense Systems Supplies To Syria To Stabilize Situation In Region - Moscow

Russia's move to supply Syria with S-300 missile defense systems will lead to the stabilization of the situation in the region and ensure the security of the Russian servicemen, Vladimir Ermakov, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department for Nonproliferation and Arms Control, told Sputnik on Tuesday.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 25th September, 2018) Russia's move to supply Syria with S-300 missile defense systems will lead to the stabilization of the situation in the region and ensure the security of the Russian servicemen, Vladimir Ermakov, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department for Nonproliferation and Arms Control, told Sputnik on Tuesday.

Ermakov's statement follows US National Security Adviser John Bolton's remark that Moscow's plans to supply Syria with S-300 missile defense systems meant a "significant escalation" of the situation.

"In fact, these actions will lead to the stabilization of [the situation in the] region, as we will be able to close the airspace if and where necessary, and, most importantly, our servicemen that fulfill their international duty at the Syrian government's invitation will be protected," Ermakov said.

He went on to accuse the United States of "being cunning."

"These are purely defense systems, so the United States is being cunning when saying that the defense equipment is threatening its national security," Ermakov added.

The Kremlin announced it would send the anti-missile system to Syria after the Russian Il-20 military plane was accidentally shot down on September 17 while returning to the Hmeimim airbase some 22 miles off the Syrian coast.