WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Russia’s activities in Syria have up until now not affected the efforts of the US-led anti-Islamic State coalition to fight the terrorist group, State Department spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Monday.
"Has there been an effect on counter-ISIL [Islamic State] operation inside Syria as a result of these activities? No, not as of today," Kirby stated.
In rent days, Russia has confirmed that it is assisting the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad in an effort to combat the Islamic State terrorists.
On Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said Russia would continue the delivery of defense equipment to the Syrian government to use in its counter-terrorism efforts.
Kirby noted that the United States "continue to see activities that certainly indicate increased support from the military perspective to the Assad regime.’
He reiterated that such activities are not in "keeping with movements toward an ultimate political transition" in Syria.
The spokesperson also said Russia’s ultimate goal is ‘’uncertain.’’
"While we would welcome a constructive role by Russia when it comes to counter-ISIL and solely counter-ISIL [Islamic State] operations, that can’t come at the cost of or to the benefit of further bolstering and supporting the Assad regime," Kirby added.
The US-led coalition of some 62 nations seeks to dismantle the Islamic State, which has captured vast areas in Syria and Iraq and declared a caliphate there.
Russia has been actively participating in international efforts to find a political solution to the conflict in Syria, as well as providing humanitarian aid to the Syrian people and military equipment to the Syrian Army to fight extremist Islamic groups.
Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the United States has supported the overthrow of the Assad government, while Russia has recognized Assad as the legitimate Syrian authority.
