To Russia with Love: Boris praises Putin for WIPING OUT Islamic State stronghold

BORIS Johnson has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin’s action in Syria after troops liberated the ancient city of Palmyra.

The London mayor heaped praise on Putin for utilising his strong ties with the Syria’s regime to strike at the heart of Islamic State.

Mr Johnson went on to claim that Putin had come to his Middle Eastern ally’s defence “with ruthless clarity”.

Russian ground troops and air strikes are believed to have helped to turn the tide against twisted terror group.

Mr Johnson, tipped to lead the Conservatives when David Cameron steps down, urged Britain to send in archaeologists to help restore the Syrian city to its former glory.

He said: ”They have made the West look relatively ineffective; and so now is the time for us to make amends, and to play to our strengths.

"We have some of the greatest archaeological experts in the world. I hope that the Government will soon be funding them to go to Syria and help the work of restoration.

"It is far cheaper than bombing and more likely to lead to long-term tourism and economic prosperity.

The city of Palmyra, known to Syrians as the "Bride of the Desert", was reclaimed by Syrian governmental forces in a significant blow to ISIS, otherwise known as Daesh.

But despite a unified international effort to fight ISIS, Johnson has claimed Britain cannot claim any credit for the victory against the jihadi death cult.

Mr Johnson added: "If Putin's troops have helped winkle the maniacs from Palmyra, then – it pains me to admit – that is very much to the credit of the Russians,"

“It is alas very hard to claim that the success of the Assad forces is a result of any particular British or indeed western policy.

"How could it be? We rightly loathe his regime and what it stands for, and for the last few years we have been engaged in an entirely honourable mission to build an opposition to Assad that was not composed simply of Daesh.

"That effort has not worked, not so far. It has been Putin who with a ruthless clarity has come to the defence of his client, and helped to turn the tide.

"If reports are to be believed, the Russians have not only been engaged in air strikes against Assad's opponents, but have been seen on the ground as well."