#Wagner is 'seen as part of the #Russian military presence in #Syria and #Russia has a big military base, #Hmeimim military base near #Latakia . And it's crucial for Russia's emerging power as a global power, especially in the eastern #Mediterranean . #Putin is not just an ally of #Assad , they provide the lifeline for his survival. Putin is the one who calls the shot in Syria, basically. In the past we saw a lot of times Putin flying directly to Hmeimim and not stopping in #Damascus .'