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The White House on Tuesday (October 6) said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was getting Russia "sucked into a sectarian civil war" by ramping up military support for fellow ally Syria.
"I don't think President Putin is playing chess. He's playing checkers," Press Secretary Josh Earnest said when asked about how talks between the U.S. and Russia -- both militarily and diplomatically -- have stalled in resolving the conflict in Syria. "I say that because he's making a series of tactical decisions that are leading to a starkly negative strategic conclusion."
Earnest added that Russia's increased involvement in Syria posed a threat to its own interests both in the region and at home.