![Putin, in Syria, says mission accomplished, orders partial Russian pull-out]( "Putin, in Syria, says mission accomplished, orders partial Russian pull-out")
By Andrew Osborn MOSCOW (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin flew into Syria and ordered “a significant part” of Moscow’s military contingent there to start withdrawing on Monday, declaring their work largely done. Putin, who polls show will be re-elected comfortably in March, made the announcement during a surprise visit to Russia’s Hmeymim air base in Syria – his first since Russia intervened in the conflict.
