Putin Pressed on Syria

As international outrage intensifies over violence in Syria, EU officials prepare to turn up the heat on Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday as leaders gather at a summit in St. Petersburg. “The Russian side has certainly not been very helpful in finding solutions in terms of a political way out,” one EU official told Reuters regarding the stance Putin’s country has taken toward its ally. Russia and China have resisted efforts by the United States and United Nations to condemn President Bashar al-Assad and armed forces in support of his regime that have carried out violent action since a popular uprising began in the country 14 months ago.