The Kremlin press service said Tuesday evening that Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of stopping the “terrorist aggression” in Syria during a conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The two leaders spoke by phone and agreed to maintain contact to reduce tensions.
Erdoğan told the Russian president that Turkey supports Syria’s territorial integrity and seeks a just and lasting “Syrian solution.” The Turkish president stated that more space should be given to diplomacy in the region and indicated that the Syrian regime must also participate in the process of a political solution.
“Syria must not become a greater security threat,” said Erdoğan. He stated that Turkey remains steadfast in its fight against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorist organization and its armed wing, and warned that the groups are trying to take advantage of recent developments in Syria.
Shortly afterward, the Kremlin press service also reported that Putin said during the conversation that the “terrorist aggression” committed by radical groups against the Syrian state must be ended as soon as possible. It is well known that Turkey is one of the main sponsors of these Islamic groups operating in Syria.
Putin’s position is that the efforts of the legitimate Syrian authorities to restore stability and constitutional order throughout the country should be supported in every way, including by using Ankara’s capabilities in the region.
The two presidents agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation, both bilaterally and within the framework of the Astana process. They also called it crucial to further coordinate the efforts of Russia, Turkey and Iran to normalize the situation in Syria.
Putin and Erdoğan agreed to maintain contact to reduce tensions. The Kremlin said the exchange of views was initiated by the Turkish side.
What happened in Syria?
Syrian rebels launched a major offensive against government forces in the northwestern province of Aleppo last week, seizing territory for the first time in years. More than 60 people were killed in the fighting, which followed a major advance by the jihadist rebels into the northern Syrian city of Aleppo for the first time since 2016.
Syria’s president vowed on Saturday to protect the country’s stability and said a counteroffensive against anti-government forces could be launched soon. The same day, the Russian air force carried out airstrikes in Aleppo.
The attacks are the first actions Russia has carried out in the city since helping Syrian government forces retake it in 2016. Nine more Russian strikes were carried out in Idlib on Saturday.
According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Russian troops have suffered significant losses in Syria, with some Russian units being encircled. The agency noted that several hundred Russian soldiers are listed as missing.
In light of the setbacks, the Kremlin called for the resignation of the commander of Russian troops in Syria, General Sergei Kisel, who was sent into retirement. He was previously responsible for the unsuccessful actions of Russian forces in Ukraine.
On Sunday, Syrian government forces, along with their Russian allies, launched airstrikes on jihadist rebels in northwestern Syria, killing at least 25 people.
Now, American forces are openly striking targets in Syria as well. A convoy of Iraqi militiamen was heading towards Damascus to join government forces when an American A-10 fighter jets struck them.
