Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and US counterpart Barack Obama held frank talks on Syria amid US concern over Turkish shelling of Kurdish militia targets in northern Syria days before a ceasefire deal is due to take hold. Quoting a Kremlin statement, Agence France-Presse reports that Putin took the call from Obama and both sides “gave a positive evaluation” of the results of talks in Munich last week. The Russian leader reiterated that a united anti-terrorist coalition was needed in Syria, where Moscow has led an aerial campaign to support the regime’s ground operation since September. Quoting White House sources, The Guardian reports that Obama had “in particular” stressed the need to contain airstrikes. “President Obama emphasised the importance now of Russia playing a constructive role by ceasing its air campaign against moderate opposition forces in Syria.” Britain’s foreign secretary, Philip Hammond also echoed the call for Moscow to end its assaults on moderate opposition fighters. More on this through the stories below:
On Rappler: Putin, Obama discuss Syria in phone call – Kremlin
On The Guardian: Russian jets pound Syria as Obama urges Putin to stop violence
Syria conflict: Pressure grows on Russia over civilian bomb deaths
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