30 Sep 2015 16:25

Putin confirms Russia to support Syrian army from air without participation in ground operations

NOVO-OGAREVO. Sept 30 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Russian Armed Forces will be used in Syria only for participation in airstrikes.

"Certainly, we are not going to engage in this conflict up to the hilt. Our actions will be implemented strictly within the set framework. First, we will support the Syrian army only in its lawful struggle exactly with terrorist groupings, secondly, the backing will be provided from the air without participation in ground operations," Putin said at a meeting with members of the government.

Thirdly, "such support will be limited in time for the term of carrying out of offensive operations by the Syrian army," he said.