Kremlin says it can’t take seriously UK accusations against Russia over situation in Syria

MOSCOW – The Kremlin cannot take seriously UK foreign secretary’s accusations against Russia of prolonging conflict in Syria, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.

“Russia is making massive and sustained efforts to help Syrians in the fight against terrorists, international terrorists that present a threat not only for Syria, but also for the whole world,” Peskov said. “It is illogical and wrong to make such statements. The main thing is that is contradicts the essence of the efforts Russia is making,” he added, according to ITar Tass.

The Kremlin spokesman noted that such statements “cannot be taken seriously” adding that Russia’s reaction to these statements was already voiced by a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry. Peskov said that Putin will not react to UK Foreign Secretary’s Philip Hammond’s statements on this matter.

Lavrov: London’s accusations against Russia over Syria groundless

In Abu Dhabi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said London’s accusations against Russia over Syria are groundless and are not based on any facts. He made the remarks on Tuesday after talks with his Emirati counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

 “Talking about statements from London and other Western capitals describing Russian Aerospace Defense Forces’ actions in Syria as not contributing to settlement, we are used to such statements as they are not based on any facts,” Lavrov said.

 “They reflect the concern of our Western partners that Aerospace Defense Forces are working effectively in Syrian airspace and fulfill the tasks that the international community faces – in what concerns countering terrorist threat,” he added.

H.M