Kremlin Spokesperson Dimitry Peskov has said, "We hope that our Turkish counterparts will be committed to Syria's territorial integrity," on Turkey's possible military offensive in northern Syria.

 

US troops reportedly began to withdraw from the area after a phone call yesterday (October 6) between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his US counterpart Donald Trump. Both the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the main US ally in Syria, and Erdoğan confirmed that the troops are withdrawing from several points in the region. 

 

"The Kremlin knows Turkey is committed to the postulate of Syria's territorial and political integrity and to the understanding that Syria's territorial integrity is the point of departure. We hope that our Turkish counterparts will first and foremost adhere to this postulate in all situations," Peskov told reporters.

 

When asked about Erdoğan's remarks that the US will withdraw, Peskov replied, "How can Erdoğan say anything about the United States' pullout? You see, statements by officials in Washington must enjoy priority here. Conclusions are to be made on the basis of these official statements."

 

"Russia's position, recently announced by President Putin, is that all foreign troops illegally present in Syria must leave the country," the spokesperson added.

 

"It is important to refrain from any actions that may create obstacles on the path of the Syrian settlement. We know that certain perspectives are opening up and we understand that it will be a long and thorny path. And now that the Syrian Constitutional Committee has been formed and when the date for its meetings has been appointed, it is vital to refrain from any steps that may harm Syrian settlement."