"Moscow is sending out a clear signal to the embattled Syrian regime that it is putting a force into the Mediterranean that could be used to extricate Russian personnel and equipment from their naval base at the Syrian port of Tartus.
In other words, Russia is willing to countenance the demise of the Assad regime if no peace plan can be agreed.
Equally Moscow is signalling to the US and the West that it intends to defend its interests in the region, and that Russia remains a player in the Middle East whose views must be considered."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18793760
а между тем в Одессе ...
