Russian President Vladimir Putin

President Bashar al-Assad: Regime forces and their allies on the ground, supported by Russian bombers in the air, are tightening the noose around the eastern half of the city, still held by a coalition of rebel groups, according to CNN. Aleppo is the regime most prized target and such regime gains would have been unimaginable for before Russia entered the war late last year. Now, a defining battle is looming for Aleppo. Since Russia came to President Bashar al-Assad aid at his request, the Syrian battlefield has transformed rapidly. Read More 40,000 fleeing Aleppo as battle for Syrian city intensifies: U.N.1. But what exactly is Russian President Vladimir Putin up to in Syria What does Russia really want Here are five key reasons Russia won't be leaving Syria any time soon. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.