Putin says he hopes the US will stick to its commitments in Syria
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he hopes the US will stick to its commitments in Syria, Reuters reported. Putin noted that he believes the US and Russia share a common interest in securing a truce in the war torn country.
While Moscow insists that Russian airstrikes in Syria are carried out primarily against extremist groups, including but not limited to the so-called Islamic State, Washington has accused Russia of targeting US-backed rebel groups.
Putin told reporters in Bishkek on Saturday that the US “still can't separate the healthy part of the [Syrian] opposition from the semi-criminal... But we are more positive than negative and expect that promises given [by Washington] will be fulfilled."
On Monday, a ceasefire went into effect in Syria, the terms of which were agreed to by the US and Russia.
US Secretary of State John Kerry, while announcing the ceasefire last Friday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, said the deal could be a turning point for Syrians and could lead to a possible political resolution to a war that has raged for more than five years.
Moscow and Washington agreed to extend the shaky ceasefire on Friday, despite the fact that the besieged city of Aleppo continues to be rocked by violence.
According to one rebel leader, "The truce, as we have warned, and we told the [U.S.] State Department - will not hold out.”