YEREVAN. – Russia will review its positions and make it tougher on some international issues, including the Middle East and Georgia, during Putin’s presidential term, head of Institute of Oriental Studies Ruben Safrastyan told the journalists on Friday.

According to him, Russia’s further policy is testified by Putin’s election campaign statements published in newspapers. Besides, Russia has twice put a veto on UN Security Council’s sanctions against Syria.

As for Georgia, if it is to join the NATO, Russia will take corresponding steps to prevent it.

“We all remember Dmitry Medvedev’s statement that the 2008 war prevented Georgia from joining the NATO,” Safrastyan said.

The expert considers that Georgia is not ready to join the organization due to domestic-political issues, as the fight between pro-Russian and pro-American powers is getting more active.