DefenceTalkThe European Union’s decision to lift its arms embargo on the Syrian opposition has provided Russia with a new defence of its controversial weapons deliveries to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Russia reacted with fury to the EU’s decision Monday — advocated primarily by Britain and France — to lift its arms embargo on the rebels […]https://www.defencetalk.com/eu-embargo-move-boosts-russia-plan-to-arm-syria-47961/

DefenceTalkRussia insisted Tuesday it would deliver anti-aircraft missiles to Syria despite international criticism, as fears of spillover from the conflict grew after three Lebanese soldiers were killed in a border-area attack. Israel warned Russia it would “know what to do” if the delivery went ahead, and Syria’s top rebel commander gave Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russia-to-send-syria-missiles-as-spillover-fears-grow-47958/

DefenceTalkAustria has warned its 26 European Union partners in a letter against providing weapons for rebel movements in the Syrian conflict, said a press report to be published Tuesday. The foreign ministry in Vienna confirmed late Monday that a document had been handed over to the European Union in Brussels, but did not give details. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/austria-warns-against-arms-shipments-to-syrian-rebels-47763/

DefenceTalkJailed Kurdish rebel chief Abdullah Ocalan was set to call a “historic” ceasefire on Thursday, raising expectations for an end to a three-decade conflict with Turkey that has cost tens of thousands of lives. The widely anticipated ceasefire call is to come in a letter penned by the leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party […]https://www.defencetalk.com/turkey-awaits-historic-ceasefire-call-by-kurdish-rebel-chief-47231/