“We don’t have any plans to share intelligence with the Russians,” Cook stated.
US and Russian military officials have agreed to decide on the next step on deconfliction efforts in Syria after reviewing the proposals made during a military-to-military video conference on Thursday, Cook said.
“There was engagement back and forth in terms of some of the ideas put on the table and a general agreement that both sides would consult with their ministries and decide on the next step forward including the possibility of another call, another secure video conference in the coming days,” Cook said.
“I would anticipate they will have some decision on a future call within the coming days,” he added.
Last week, Russia, Syria, Iran, and Iraq set up an intelligence sharing center in Baghdad, which is expected to be headed by military officers from the participated countries on a three-month rotation basis.
US anti-Islamic State coalition spokesperson Steve Warren said during a press conference earlier on Thursday that Iraq had agreed to withhold intelligence information the United States shares with Baghdad from the Russians, Syrians and Iranians.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman said Wednesday that intelligence sharing is key for all nations fighting extremism in Syria.
On Wednesday, Russia launched its first airstrikes on ISIL positions in Syria following a request from President Bashar Assad. Prior to that, Russia established a joint Baghdad Information Center with Iran, Iraq and Syria to coordinate anti-ISIL efforts.
