RFE/RL's Glenn Kates tweets this about Putin's comments on the Turkomans, ethnic Turks in northern Syria whom Turkey accuses Russia of targeting.
A tweet from Putin's official account:
"Russia has reinforced its [air] group in Syria. We have deployed the S-400 system. We have shown Syria's air defense system to be in working order."
Putin says that North Caucasian militants -- those fighting in Syria -- are being treated and resting in Turkey.
Putin says of Russia's involvement in Syria: "We are not trying to be bigger Syrians than the Syrians themselves."
"Russia's plan for a resolution to the situation in Syria coincides in its main points with that of the United States," Putin says.
"A political settlement is the only way to resolve the conflict in Syria," says Putin.
Putin: "I don't know if we need a base in Syria...it's possible for the Russian armed forces to be temporarily based in Syria."
Putin says that it would take two days for the Russian air group in Syria to be withdrawn, he is stressing that this is a temporary deployment.
Regarding the length of time that the Russian air force will be deployed in Syria, Putin says:
"We will continue [the operation] for as long as the Syrian army needs support."
Putin went on to say that Russia will support the Syrians "until the start of the political process, until they have started to negotiate."
Putin Doubts Whether Permanent Latakia Base Is Necessary
Russia's Life News has more on Putin's comments regarding whether Russia will establish a permanent military base in Syria's Latakia province.
Russia is currently operating out of the Hmeymim air base in northern Latakia.
"I really don't know whether we need that base or not. What is a base? It's a significant infrastructure, you need to invest money there... some people believe that we need to have a base there. Me, I'm not so sure. Why? The base could be temporary. It's possible. But putting down roots, there's not such an urgent need," Putin said.