Putin’s decision on Russian withdrawal from Syria not discussed at talks with foreign colleagues - Kremlin

MOSCOW, March 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally decided on withdrawing forces from Syria, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday, adding that this was not discussed at talks. "This is the decision of the Russian president and commander-in-chief based on data on the results of work of Russian contingent in Syria," Peskov said. Putin "took into account the results and came to a conclusion that major tasks were accomplished in general," he added. "This was not an issue of talks (with foreign colleagues), this was the decision of the president of Russia," Peskov stressed. The presidential spokesman noted that personnel will remain at two Russian military facilities in Syria. "Let’s not forget that two facilities - Khmeimim and Tartus - will remain, and therefore they cannot exist without personnel." President Putin ordered on Monday to start withdrawing the main part of Russia’s forces from Syria as of March 15. He said the tasks assigned to the military were generally fulfilled. Russia has been carrying out an anti-terror operation in Syria since September 30, 2015 at the request of Syrian President Assad. On February 27, a ceasefire came into effect in Syria that was brokered by Russia and the United States. It is not applied to the Islamic State and Jabhat an-Nusra "or other terrorist organizations designated by the UN Security Council." Read more