US declares end to soft policy towards Russia; Russia sends more troops to Syria

1. Russia sends more troops to Syria

Lieutenant General Viktor Poznikhir, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Photo: TASS

Lieutenant General Viktor Poznikhir, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, said that the country has sent military police to the town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Syria to ensure security there.

The Daily Mail quoted Mr. Poznikhir as saying that a total of 41,213 people, including 3,354 rebel gunmen and 8,642 of their relatives, had left Douma to seek refuge with the help of Russian soldiers.

The Russian military announced on April 11 that samples taken from the area where the catastrophic chemical attack in Douma on April 7 did not contain any toxic substances.

Russia and the Syrian government have consistently rejected accusations by the US and its Western allies that President Bashar al-Assad’s government used a gas bomb that killed at least 60 people and injured hundreds more in the Douma attack last weekend. Moscow has even denounced the incident as a plot orchestrated by the Western-backed opposition in Syria.

2. British submarine deployed near Syria, airstrike imminent?

British submarines have been deployed near the Syrian coast.

According to Sputnik news agency, British military submarines have been deployed near the Syrian coast, while airstrikes against Syrian government forces are expected to be carried out on the night of April 12.

The Daily Telegraph (UK) reported that the order to mobilize the submarine was approved by British Prime Minister Theresa May after she called ministers for an emergency meeting to discuss response plans for the chemical attack that occurred in Douma, Eastern Ghouta (Syria).

Sky News also reported that Mrs. May and her cabinet have discussed taking part in US-led military operations against Syria. It is likely that ministers will agree with Mrs. May's decision, and she will have to discuss it with the US and France before making a final decision. Mrs. May and members of her cabinet are expected to meet on April 12.

3. Russia sets date for Putin's inauguration as president for the 4th time

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Sputnik

The Kremlin confirmed on April 11 that the inauguration ceremony for Vladimir Putin's new term as president will be held on May 7.

The press secretary of the Russian President, Mr. Dmitry Peskov confirmed the above information.

Also today, April 11, at the Government's annual press conference, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said this was the last meeting of the current government members. After the President's inauguration, according to the Federal Constitution, the Government will resign en masse.

In the Russian presidential election held on March 18, 67.54% of eligible voters cast their ballots. Russian President Vladimir Putin won 76.69% of the total votes, equivalent to more than 56,400,000 voters.

This is Mr. Putin's fourth term as President of Russia. Previously, Mr. Putin was President from 2000 to 2008. After that, he served as Prime Minister for the next four years. In the 2008 election, Mr. Putin was re-elected as President of Russia.

4. The Syrian government takes full control of the towns of Douma and Eastern Ghouta

Syrian soldiers. Source: Inside Syria

On April 12, Russian news agencies quoted Major General Yuri Yevtushenko, head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, as saying that Syrian government forces had gained complete control of the town of Douma, the last rebel stronghold in the Eastern Ghouta region, on the outskirts of the capital Damascus.

Major General Yevtushenko said the Syrian national flag was raised on a building in the town of Douma, signaling the control of Syrian government forces over the site, and thus over the entire Eastern Ghouta region.

5. The nominated Secretary of State announced the end of the “soft policy” with Russia.

Mike Pompeo, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, is the nominee to become the next US Secretary of State.

Mike Pompeo, the director of the US Central Intelligence Agency and the nominee to become the next US Secretary of State, will declare to the US Senate that America's soft policy towards Russia is "now over".

AP news agency quoted a senior official of President Donald Trump's administration as revealing that from some quotes in the speech that Mr. Pompeo has prepared, he will call for sanctions against Russia for its "aggressive" actions; at the same time, emphasizing that Washington considers Moscow a "threat to the United States."

However, Mr. Pompeo is expected to insist that diplomatic efforts with Moscow “must continue.” He will also emphasize America’s obligation to lead the world, even though President Trump has vowed to pursue an “America First” policy.

“If we don’t lead the call for a world of democracy, prosperity, and human rights, who will?” Mr. Pompeo wrote in his speech. “No other nation has the same power and principles as America.”

6. China conducts military exercises in the East Sea, warning US aircraft carrier

Chinese warships sailed into the East Sea during a military exercise in March. Photo: Reuters.

The Chinese navy conducted a new exercise this week as the US aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt was scheduled to pass through the South China Sea.

The South China Morning Post reported that the new Chinese Navy exercise took place over three days, from April 11 to 13, near the country's main submarine base off the southern coast of Hainan province.

It comes alongside another five-week naval exercise, involving the aircraft carrier Liaoning, taking place east of Hainan Island.

7. Syrian President moves planes away from bases before G-hour

Syria's Shayrat air base was hit by dozens of US Tomahawk cruise missiles last year. Photo: AP

Amid threats from the United States and its allies, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has ordered his military to move aircraft and vehicles away from military bases that could be targeted by missiles, several U.S. officials told Reuters on April 11.

The development was also confirmed by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which said pro-government forces were moving military equipment away from airports and major air bases in Syria.

The officials declined to provide further information. However, according toReutersSyria may move its aircraft and military vehicles closer to Russian military assets in Syria to limit damage. Because the US will have to consider more if it wants to attack a target with a Russian presence./.