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

... there is a link between them. If we reach some kind of success on any of these issues it will facilitate our cooperation on others as well. What we need right now is a success story, a demonstration that we can work together. Since the beginning of Western sanctions, the Russian government has increasingly sought ties with Asian countries. But can Asia realistically replace the role of the EU? In my view this development is not realistic for three reasons: First, even now under the sanctions regime,...