BRUSSELS (Sputnik) – On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the withdrawal of the main part of the country's forces from Syria, starting from Tuesday, as its over five-month operation against terrorist groups in Syria had broadly reached its objectives.
"I do not rule out that the Russian leadership's decision could become a prelude to the gradual lifting of Western sanctions against Russia," the EU source said. "Russia has once again became a key player on the international scene."
Some Russian personnel will remain at the naval base at Tartus and the Hmeimim air base to observe the implementation of the ceasefire deal in Syria. The deal was brokered by Russia and the United States and came into force on February 27.
Western states imposed several rounds of sanctions on Russia in 2014, accusing it of playing an active role in the conflict between government forces and militias in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has roundly rejected the allegations.
