MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to the newspaper, citing sources, Russia's influence on the situation is so great that, although Moscow expressed "deep concern" over the Turkish intervention in the conflict, it could not have happened without at least the tacit consent of the Kremlin, especially since the Russian Aerospace Forces are controlling the skies in northwestern Syria.
"Both Russia and the United States are guiding the process there, but it is obvious that the former is still the master of the situation, acting as one of the parties to the conflict," a French senior diplomatic source told the paper.
The publication noted that France and the Arab countries are dissatisfied with the United States lacking determination, as well as with the fact that Washington is only interested in fighting extremists, but not in a more serious intervention.
Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups.
On February 27, a US-Russia brokered ceasefire came into force in Syria. Terrorist groups such as Daesh and Jabhat Fatah al Sham (previously known as al-Nusra Front), are not part of the deal.
Russia has also been bringing food, medicines and construction materials to various parts of conflict in Syria.
