Obama says Ukraine, Syria slipping away from under Russia's influence

09:24, 13.01.2016 1 min read

Russia is losing its influence in Syria and Ukraine, U.S. President Barack Obama has said in his latest State of the Union address.

"Even as their economy contracts, Russia is pouring resources to prop up Ukraine and Syria – states they see slipping away from their orbit," the U.S. president said in a statement posted on the White House website.

Meanwhile, the U.S. helps Ukraine defend its democracy, Obama added.

He also said that the United States is recognized as a world power.

"Surveys show our standing around the world is higher than when I was elected to this office, and when it comes to every important international issue, people of the world do not look to Beijing or Moscow to lead – they call us," Obama said.