"It is too early to say that some radical change happened there [Syria]. But it is obvious that we have completed our task there. It was, above all, to strengthen the statehood in Syria and the legitimate authorities," Putin said.
"The [Syrian] statehood has strengthened, as well as the government structures and the armed forces of the Syrian Republic," Putin said during a media forum in St. Petersburg.
Russia’s operations in Syria helped in some degree to tune relations with leading world powers in the joint fight against terrorism, Vladimir Putin said.
“Our active work in the fight against international terrorism to some degree actually helped tune our relations with leading powers in this important direction for all us in the fight against international terrorism,” Putin said during a media forum in St. Petersburg.
Mechanisms to control the ceasefire in Syria have been created and are constantly operating, Russian President said Thursday.
"We have created not only information exchange centers with the United States. Constant consultations are taking place and there are mechanisms operating… aimed at controlling the ceasefire. This work is carried out constantly," Putin said at a media forum.
Russia began its aerial anti-terror campaign in Syria on September 30, 2015 at the request of Damascus. On March 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to start the withdrawal of the Russian air group from Syria, saying its assigned task had been completed.
Events in Syria have shown that Russia is able to solve problems far from its borders, Vladimir Putin added.
"The recent events in Syria [Russian military campaign] have shown not only the ability to solve problems close to us, but also away from our borders," Putin said at a media forum.
