Russia: Assad is the "opposite" of Yanukovich, says Russian lawmaker

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is the "opposite" of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych according to one Russian lawmaker, who made the statement during a press conference in Moscow, Wednesday. State Duma Deputy Sergei Gavrilov made the comments alongside his colleague Dmitri Sablin from the Federation Council. The pair had recently been on a diplomatic mission to Syria delivering humanitarian aid. Gavrilov contrasted Assad with the former Ukrainian leader, who "seemed mighty, powerful, extremely respected". Assad by comparison "seemed a gentle, intelligent man with a medical education, very delicate." He added that the Syrian President was now viewed with "optimism and faith" in Russia thanks to the actions of President Putin.