Syrian rebels controlled from abroad

A child runs through the streets of Eastern Ghouta after air raid sirens sounded.

"Take Syria. Before Russia entered the conflict on the side of the government, the country for more than four years actually waged an undeclared war over the right to exist," Gerasimov said at the General Staff Military Academy.

He added:

"When the war turns from internal riots into military conflict, there is no clear answer. No country has declared war on Syria, but all illegal armed groups are armed, funded and managed from abroad.

He stressed that over time, the composition of the parties to the military conflict is expanding.

“Along with armed groups, there is also potential popular resistance, as well as terrorists and extremist elements,” Gerasimov said.