Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Western nations of blocking critical humanitarian aid to Syria following last year’s catastrophic earthquake, saying the decision was driven by “purely political reasons.” The February 6, 2023, earthquake, measuring 7.7 and 7.6 in magnitude, devastated regions of Turkey and Syria, leaving over 51,000 dead in Turkey and claiming more than 8,400 lives in Syria.
“Assistance to the people of Syria, where some areas were badly affected by the disaster, was blocked for purely political reasons,” Putin stated, as reported by TASS. He condemned the incident as an example of “egoistic interests standing in the way of the common good,” reflecting broader geopolitical tensions in the region.
The quakes, which also left over 14,500 Syrians injured, sparked global calls for humanitarian support. However, accusations of selective aid distribution have surfaced, with critics saying Western nations overlooked Syria amid ongoing political conflicts, leaving Syrian survivors without adequate international relief.
