Moscow will consider potential requests for military assistance from Iraq and Libya
On the 25th of October, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov stated that Russian leadership will seriously consider requests from Iraq and Libya—if they will be made—for the participation of the Russian Federation in military operations on their territory, Interfax reported.
"We are asked by other countries too, by Iraqis and Libyans: ‘will you become involved in the fight against terrorists on our territory?’ We answer: ‘We have not received official requests from you yet. If they are submitted, our leadership will carefully consider them,’" Bogdanov said, speaking before the members of the Valdai International Discussion Club.
The Russian Air Force has been providing support to the Syrian government since last fall.
Shortly after the beginning of the operation, media reported that Baghdad may follow in the steps of Damascus by asking Russia for military assistance. The Kremlin then denied the existence of such requests.
However, the situation elicited comments from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S. Armed Forces, Joseph Dunford, who stated that the United States would stop helping Iraq if it asks the Russian Air Force to assist with air strikes on militant positions inside Iraqi territory.
Currently, the coalition fighting against terrorists in Iraq is led by the United States.