The Russian leader has repeatedly stated that Moscow’s campaign in the war-torn country would only be limited to air operations.
"There remains a sufficient aviation group, the Hmeymim base and the Navy base in Tartus, which is being used to supply the group and support the Syrian army… And of course, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief has taken the decision based on evaluation of the situation, and retained a contingent that is adequate given the current goals," Lavrov said.
The decision on increasing Russia’s presence in Syria depends on the situation on the ground in the war-torn country, which is currently evolving in the right direction despite some forces willing to undermine the ceasefire, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Sputnik in an interview.
"Firstly, we [Russia] want to prevent the disruption of the ceasefire. Secondly, this is a hypothetical question, decisions about our presence in Syria are taken depending on the real situation on the ground. The situation is now considerably stabilized and evolving in the right direction. However, I repeat, there are [countries] willing to challenge this truce," Lavrov said.
