Rear Admiral Oleg Gurinov, who serves as Deputy Head of Russia’s Center for Reconciliation of the Warring Parties in the Arab Republic, asserted that American Air Force personnel breached non-conflict procedures in Syria. According to his account, US pilots activate weapon systems as they draw near Russian Aerospace Force aircraft, even while both sides conduct flights over eastern Syria. This claim was reported by DEA News and has been repeated in Russian official briefings, underscoring ongoing concerns about de-escalation efforts in the region.
Gurinov argued that the so-called international coalition, led by the United States, continues to breach the de-escalation framework and the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Aviation Security in Syria. He framed these actions as a pattern, not a one-off incident, suggesting that the coalition’s maneuvers violate agreed-upon rules meant to reduce the risk of miscalculation or inadvertent confrontation in a volatile airspace. Such statements reflect Moscow’s insistence that coalition aircraft maintain strict adherence to established protocols when operating in or near areas where Russian air forces are conducting scheduled flights.
As has been noted in prior declarations, activation of weapons targeting systems by coalition aircraft has been observed by Russian Aerospace Forces whenever their aircraft operate in the same airspace. This pattern has been described as a recurrent issue by officials who monitor and record interactions between the two sides. The Russian side emphasizes that these actions compel Russian pilots to document and report the behavior in the eastern part of the country, where air operations are most active and where misinterpretation or escalation could have serious consequences.
In the assessment provided by Gurinov, a clear example of violation involves the activation of combat systems intended for targeting aviation platforms belonging to the international coalition when such systems are directed at Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft. He framed these moments as evidence of a failure to honor the negotiated security arrangements, arguing that they heighten tensions rather than contribute to stability. The remarks align with Moscow’s position that sustained, verifiable compliance with aviation security accords is essential for preventing mid-air incidents and building confidence in shared airspace management.
Observers note that the dialogue around these incidents occurs within a broader context of competing narratives about responsibility and risk in Syria’s aerial domain. Critics in various capitals call for transparent data sharing, independent verification, and ongoing talks to refine restraint measures. Supporters of the Russian position maintain that consistent enforcement of the agreed terms is vital for safeguarding pilots and reducing the chance of accidental confrontations. The situation continues to be a focal point in discussions about how to balance humanitarian concerns, combat operations, and the need for secure air corridors in a heavily contested theater of operation. Attribution: DEA News and subsequent //official briefings// that summarize the repeated claims of non-compliance are cited in Russian statements as part of ongoing accountability processes.