(VOVword) – Tense relations between Russia and the US continue unabated over Syria, Eastern Europe, and cyber warfare.

The global community fears a physical confrontation between the two military powerhouses.

On October 17, Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov warned of appropriate response to the US new sanctions  (Photo: Sputnik/VNA)

Escalating tensions

In the latest development, the US said it is assessing the damage caused by Russian hackers’ attacks on US political groups. The US has publicly accused Russia of interfering in the US presidential election scheduled for November 8. Following the collapse of a ceasefire in Syria, US officials called for an investigation into Russian “war crimes” in Aleppo and are considering new sanctions against Russia.

Moscow has denied any its involvement in the US presidential election. In an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called it “an absurd accusation.” Russia has scrapped a nuclear security treaty over what it calls “imminent threats by the US”. In response, Iskander missile systems have been deployed to Russia’s borders with NATO in Europe. Russian Ambassador the US Sergey Kislyak said relations are at their lowest level since the Cold War and it is Washington’s taking unfriendly steps that are triggering Russia’s tough response.

2 days after the failure of Syria talks between the Russian and US Foreign Ministers on October 15, Moscow unexpectedly announced a short ceasefire in Aleppo by Russian and Syrian troops on October 20. Russia said the 8-hour ceasefire was aimed at allowing free movements by civilians, evacuation of the sick and injured, and withdrawal by the jihads. The US and the West criticized the move as not enough to guarantee the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need. 

Over the past 24 hours, fierce fighting was reported in Syria, with 49 artillery attacks, leaving many dead or wounded. Washington accused the Syrian army and the Russians of targeting civilians and opposition camps. Damascus and Moscow said their attacks targeted terrorist bases only, denouncing Washington for its failure to distinguish moderate opposition forces and terrorists. 

Mounting military operations 

Over the past few days, Russia has been deploying small missile ships with high combat capacity from its Black Sea Fleet to its bases in the Mediterranean Sea near the Syrian coast. The Russian Defense Ministry recently confirmed its S-300 missile system has reached Syria, which observers described as a stern warning to the US that it will pay a price if it does harm to Russian or Syrian plans. The US also hinted at a “plan B” in case the Syrian peace process stalls. As part of such a plan, Saudi Arabia, a close US ally, has said it is considering increasing its supply of weapons to the moderate opposition in Aleppo.