Unclear if US-Russia interests overlap in Syria: Pentagon

The diplomat noted the recent flurry of diplomatic activity on Syria after the Iran nuclear deal was announced, including a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Qatar, but said that window “slammed shut” with Russia’s new military buildup.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that the US was prepared to negotiate with Assad on the conditions and timing of his exit. That, said Carter, would be like “pouring gasoline on the civil war” there. These reports follow additional photo evidence in the Daily Mail that suggest that Russian soldiers have been in Syria since at least April, in addition to satellite images obtained by Foreign Policy that indicate extensive construction around Syria’s Bassel al-Assad worldwide Airport. Russian Federation is a traditional ally of Syria and has supported Assad, who has clung to power despite a US-led worldwide effort to force him to step down.

The audio was released on Russia’s Channel 1 and Sir Elton can be heard telling the pair it would be a “dream come true” to discuss gay rights with Mr Putin.

“And there is no other solution to the Syrian crisis than strengthening the effective government structures and rendering them help in fighting terrorism, but at the same time urging them to engage in positive dialogue with the rational opposition and conduct reform”.

Carter, speaking at a press conference with Ukraine’s defense minister, said that Russia’s actions in Syria would not distract the United States from the situation in Ukraine.

Refuting that any call had been made after the singer’s Instagram post, Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov nonetheless said that, had they been aware that John wanted to meet his boss, the Kremlin would have been happy to accommodate him. “It’s a matter of seeing what the Russians do”.

“I think there are legitimate questions that we continue to have about the kinds of capabilities we see flowing in there”, Kirby said.

Russian Federation has begun flying drone surveillance flights over Syria, gathering intelligence in preparation for what most expect will be the launch of fighter aircraft in the coming days, according to U.S. officials.

Syrian officials have said that Russian Federation is boosting its fight against the Islamic State group which has seized large parts of its territory.

Sir John, honored, said he would like to meet with Putin to discuss how they could bridge the gap between LGBT people and Putin.

The White House confirmed that President Obama will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week, breaking months of silence between the two world leaders.

Both leaders, however, said the USA providing lethal aid to the Ukrainians was “not on the table” in their meeting Thursday at the Pentagon.