Russia strategy in Syria working: US analysts

That assessment comes despite public assertions by President Barack Obama and top aides that Putin has embarked on an ill-conceived mission in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that it will struggle to afford and that will likely fail. “I think it’s indisputable that the Assad regime, with Russian military support, is probably in a safer position than it was,” said a senior administration official, who requested anonymity. 

Five other U.S. officials interviewed by Reuters concurred with the view that the Russian mission has been mostly successful so far and is facing relatively low costs. Since its campaign began on Sept. 30, Russia has suffered minimal casualties and is handily covering the operation’s cost, estimated at $1-2 billion a year. It is being funded from Russia’s regular annual defence budget of about $54 billion. Low oil prices has helped reduce the amount needed to fuel aircraft and ships.

Russia has also used up conventional bombs from his old stockpile.  Russia’s intervention also appears to have strengthened its hand at the negotiating table. In recent weeks, Washington has engaged more closely with Russia in seeking a settlement to the war and backed off a demand for the immediate departure of Assad as part of any political transition.