Russia does not see the US really withdrawing troops from Syria

Russian Ambassador to Damascus Alexander Yefimov. Photo: Getty

In an interview with Sputnik news agency, Mr. Yefimov stated: "Time will tell whether this decision will be implemented in practice. So far, we have not seen serious steps from the US side regarding this issue."

This Russian diplomat said that in Washington many people strongly opposed President Donald Trump's decision to end the military presence in Syria.

Also in the interview, Mr. Yefimov said that Moscow hopes that the Syrian government and Kurdish forces can find a solution for the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, thereby ensuring Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In addition, Ambassador Yefimov believes that Syria needs to return to the Arab League as soon as possible, because this will create a widespread positive impact in the context of international efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis./.