PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin with President Assad in Moscow, October 2015


President Vladimir Putin has said that the “main part” of Russia’s forces will leave Syria immediately.

Putin made his move on the first day of renewed political talks in Geneva, saying that Moscow had largely achieved its goals.

I think that the tasks set to the defense ministry are generally fulfilled. That is why I order to begin withdrawal of most of our military group from Syria starting from tomorrow.

Speaking alongside Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Putin asserted:

Efficient work of our military has created conditions for the start of a peace process. With the participation of Russian military, Syrian troops and patriotic forces in Syria have managed to turn the tide in fight against international terrorism and take the initiative on practically all directions.

On September 30, Russia began thousands of bombing raids — the vast majority on opposition areas — to check rebel advances that threatened the Assad regime and the Syrian military. Moscow also supported five ground offensives, mainly led by Iranian forces, Hezbollah, and foreign militias, against rebels and one against the Islamic State.

Putin said the withdrawal had been discussed with President Assad.

The President added that Russia’s naval base in Tartus and airbase at the Khmeimim airfield, established for its massive bombing campaign, will operate in “routine mode”, and that Russian ground troops will remain to monitor the cessation of hostilities.

He then referred to the Geneva talks, convened by UN envoy Staffan de Mistura:

I hope today’s decision will be a good signal for all conflicting parties. I hope it will sizably increase trust of all participants in the process.

Syrian State news agency SANA’s English-language site has not yet responded to Putin’s announcement. However, the opposition-rebel High Negotiations Committee welcomed the possibilities.

HNC spokesman Salim al-Muslat said:

If there is seriousness in implementing the withdrawal, it will give the talks a positive push. If this is a serious step it will form a major element of pressure on the regime, because the Russian support prolonged the regime. Matters will change significantly as a result of that.