Russia accuses US of putting international peace at risk

The warning came after US said that it is planning to strike Syria in response to the alleged chemical attack in Damascus earlier this month, which killed dozens.

Reports quoted White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders as saying that 'all options are on the table'.

However, she said that when it will take place has not yet been finalised.

Reacting to the threats, Russia, an important ally of Syria, accused Washington of disrupting international peace.

"The immediate priority is to avert the danger of war," Russia's UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Thursday.

Russia's military head has warned that Moscow will target US sites if the latter puts the former's personnel at risk.

Meanwhile, in a self-crediting gesture, US President Donald Trump tweeted, "Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all! In any event, the United States, under my Administration, has done a great job of ridding the region of ISIS. Where is our 'Thank you America?'"

Contrary to the US' accusations, the Syrian government has rejected all claims, stating that it wasn't behind the attack.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will send experts to Syria, who will start an investigation on Saturday. 

 

Joint Western front

The US, France and the UK have reportedly backed the former's plan of striking Syria, in response to the alleged chemical attack.

France's President Emmanuel Macron told reporters that his soldiers will target Syrian chemical factories.

"Our decision will not target allies of the regime or attack anyone but rather attack the regime's chemical capabilities," Macron told a joint news conference with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Paris.

"We will continue sharing technical and strategic information with our partners, particularly with the United Kingdom and the United States. And in the coming days, we will announce our decision," he added.

US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to warn Russia.

"Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" his tweet read.

 

Saudi participation possible

During his recent visit to France, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told reporters that Saudi Arabia could strike Damascus if the need arises.

Asked if his country will intervene in the growing Middle Eastern crisis, he said, "If our alliance with our partners demands it, we will be present."

Unlike his father's conservative approach, Prince Salman, also known as MBS, has been open about reforms.

Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has experienced better ties with Israel and has edged past Iran in a number of important areas, including women rights.

 

Russia's dilapidated diplomacy with the West

In recent times, commentators have said that Russia's diplomatic ties with the West have worsened.

It first emerged after the nerve agent attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, which took place in UK's Salisbury region.

In response, the UK asked 23 Russian diplomats to leave its nation.

What followed was an exodus of Russia diplomats from over 20 countries.

The US expelled 60 Russian diplomats.

Russia retaliated, expelling the same number of US diplomats from the country.

Diplomats from the UK too were expelled by Moscow.

Image: UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe