Administration officials have so far refused to either confirm or deny media reports. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Moscow welcomes any step which would contribute to de-escalation in the Middle East, when asked to comment on the news.
"We have not heard anything from official sources about any decision made in Washington on this account," Deputy Director of the Information and Press Department Artyom Kozhin said as quoted by the ministry website.
The United States' engagement with Syrian rebels carries unforeseen military and political consequences, he said.
"Our position on the US overtures with the Syrian militants has been voiced repeatedly. This can lead to unpredictable military and political consequences."
He underscored that Moscow had repeatedly pointed to Washington's "indiscrimination over whom they are dealing with in Syria while pursuing their own geopolitical interests."
