On Wednesday, Russia’s upper house of parliament approved the use of Russian forces in Syria, shortly after which Russian military aircraft began airstrikes against the Islamic State.
"Theoretically, it would be nice [joining forces] from a political point of view, but I think we have difficulties accepting the principles on which the coalition operates. We are unlikely to unite on the existing terms," Rogachev told RIA Novosti.
"We have stated this repeatedly: the coalition must act on the basis of international law. There is either an agreement with the governments of the countries on whose territory their armed forces are operating, or there must be UN Security Council approval. This coalition has neither with respect to Syria. This is a gross violation of international law," he explained.
Rogachev noted that Washington's non-participation in the work of the recently established Baghdad information center is not crucial, as coordination with the United States will be carried out in any case. According to the official, Washington attaches "great importance" to deconfliction measures.
