Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that the nearing end of the Syrian civil war must be coupled with the “eventual” disengagement of all foreign forces from Syria. Putin stressed, in a joint press conference with visiting Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, that the disengagement of all forces would also include the evacuation of the Russian military. According to Putin, “What can be done, in my opinion, and what should we all strive for? We should strive to have no forces of foreign, third countries on the territory of Syria at all. We need to move towards this.” With regard to the Idlib agreement, which was reached between Moscow and Ankara, President Putin voiced confidence in Turkey’s intention to respect the terms formulated, including the proposed demilitarized zone. That said, he stopped short of elaborating on any consequences, if the rebel organizations in the northwestern Syrian province breach the accord.
