Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the situation in Syria, during his annual press conference on Thursday, stating that he has not yet met with the ousted Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, since his arrival in Moscow.

 

He did, however, confirm that he plans to meet with Assad, saying, "I haven't yet seen president Assad since his arrival in Moscow, but I plan to, I will definitely speak with him."

 

Putin also rejected claims that the fall of Assad represented a defeat for Russia. "You spoke about Syria. You and those who pay your salaries want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia. I assure you it is not... We have achieved our goals," he asserted.

 

Additionally, Putin called for 'Israel' to withdraw its forces from Syria, expressing hope that Israel would eventually leave Syrian territory.

 

He noted, however, that 'Israel' is currently deploying more troops, adding, "We hope that Israel will at some point leave the territory of Syria. But now it is bringing in additional troops."