Russia’s main goal in Syria is to preserve the state

... realistic for three reasons: First, even now under the sanctions regime, we have a very high level of interaction with Europe. Look at the Russian community here in Berlin. Look at the number of joint ventures. Look at the number of students from Russia in Germany. Look at the European small and medium-sized business engaged in Russia. Look at our cultural and historical linkages. The quality of the relationship which we have built with Europe despite all its limitations can hardly be replicated with any ...