Russia sends more fighter jets to Syria despite announcing draw-down Pilots by a Russian cargo and assault helicopter at the Hmeimim base in Syria Credit: Reuters Josie Ensor, Beirut 11 January 2017 • 1:51pm Russia has sent as many as a dozen more fighter jets to Syria, days after President Putin’s announcement that Moscow was scaling back its military deployment in the war-torn country. Vladimir Putin declared last week that Russia would begin withdrawing forces following a ceasefire deal between the government and opposition. However 12 Su-25s were reported to have arrived at Moscow’s base in the coastal city of Latakia on Monday, signalling its intention to remain deeply involved in the conflict.