A leading international expert says Russia's airstrikes on Islamic State (IS) could backfire and fears it could strengthen the extremist group in the region.
In just 24 hours Russia has launched 64 attacks on IS targets in a bid to put an end to the radical militant group.
Otago University's Professor Robert Patman says Russian President Vladimir Putin's tactics are concerning.
"His tactic basically… is to bolster what has been the crumbling [Basher al-Assad] regime," he told the Paul Henry programme this morning.
"That means taking on all opponents of the Assad dictatorship, whether it be IS or some of the groups which have been armed and supported by Western countries including the United States."
Watch the video for the full interview with Prof Robert Patman.
