What Is Russian President Putin's Agenda At The United Nations This Week

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on agriculture in Rostov region, Russia, September 24, 2015. REUTERS/ALEXEI NIKOLSKY/RIA NOVOSTI/KREMLIN

Moscow Times: Putin Seeks Center Stage at UN Gathering

When Russian President Vladimir Putin takes the podium at the United Nations General Assembly on Monday for the first time in a decade, he is expected to put Syria and the fight against the Islamic State at the heart of his speech — and be looking to turn heads.

An increased Russian military presence in Syria and a steady flow of Middle Eastern leaders flying into Moscow have fueled speculation the Kremlin is seeking a new, enhanced role in the region.

Putin has stepped up warnings about Islamic State — with whom over 2,000 Russians are estimated to be fighting — in recent weeks and called for a new coalition against the terrorist group in a move that experts suggest could give Russia a global leadership role and distract attention from the Ukraine crisis.

“Russia is returning to the Middle East,” said Yelena Suponina, an adviser to the Institute of Strategic Studies, a Moscow-based think tank that works closely with the government.

WNU Editor: It's all about Syria for Putin this week

More News On Russian President Putin At The UN This Week

U.N. Speech Marks Putin’s Return to Center Stage -- WSJ
Vladimir Putin of Russia to Focus on Syria at UN -- NYT
Putin Bids to End Diplomatic Isolation With Syria Message to UN -- Bloomberg
What To Look For When Putin Speaks At The UN -- Radio Free Europe
With Putin in the limelight, edgy UN awaits clarity on Russia's Syria move -- Al Jazeera