"However, it turned out differently. Moscow did not force the regime and different Shiite groups that support him to change direction: indiscriminate bombings against civilians continue, sieges have become more severe, international commitments and the UN Security Council’s resolutions are consistently ignored. That's why the time has come to send a strong message to Moscow. It's high time for Russia to prove it wants to use its influence on the regime," Gentiloni wrote in the article.
Moscow and Washington are among the key actors in the mediation Syria's protracted internal conflict, which has lasted since March 2011. Government forces loyal to President Assad are fighting numerous opposition factions and religious extremist groups. The latest ceasefire in Syria was brokered by the United States and Russia on September 9. Having entered into force on September 12, the deal, nevertheless, broke apart over repeated violations of the truce.
