Administration officials have so far refused to either confirm or deny media reports. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Moscow welcomes any step which would contribute to de-escalation in the Middle East, when asked to comment on the news.
"If these reports are true, the administration is playing right into the hands of Vladimir Putin. Making any concession to Russia, absent a broader strategy for Syria, is irresponsible and short-sighted," McCain stated.
The senator added the removal of Syrian President Bashar Assad should remain "a key pillar of American strategy."
The United States and Russia have in recent weeks stepped up their cooperation to wipe out Daesh and de-escalate the conflict in Syria.
On July 7, Putin and Trump agreed on a regional ceasefire in southern Syria, an arrangement that both sides said could be expanded and replicated in other parts of the country.
