Russia Suspends the Memorandum on Preventing Incidents and Ensuring Flights Safety During Operations In Syria

"The Russian side suspends the memorandum on the prevention of incidents and on ensuring the safety of flights in the course of operations in Syria, concluded with the United States. We urge the United Nations Security Council to meet in urgent session to discuss the current situation."

"It is obvious that the strike with US cruise missiles had been prepared beforehand. It is clear to any specialist that the decision to deal the strikes was made in Washington before the events in Idlib, which were used as a pretext for a show of muscle. It is beyond doubt that the US military strike is an attempt to distract attention from the situation in Mosul, where as a result of actions by the US coalition hundreds of civilians died and the humanitarian disaster is growing."

"Without taking the trouble to look into the situation the United States opted for the show of muscle, for military resistance to a country that fights against international terrorism. This is not the first time that the United States takes such a reckless approach, which merely exacerbates the world’s problems and poses a threat to international security."

"The Russian Foreign Ministry has more than once declared its readiness for cooperation in tackling burning problems of today, including the struggle against international terrorism. But we will never agree to illegitimate actions against the legal Syrian authorities, who have for a long time been involved in irreconcilable war on international terrorism," the statement runs.

"We’re urging the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the current situation. The US strike in Syria is an attempt to distract attention from the situation in Iraq’s Mosul, the statement said." 

"Undoubtedly, the US strike is an attempt to divert attention from the situation in Mosul where hundreds of civilians lost their lives due to actions, including by the US-led coalition, and the humanitarian disaster is mounting."

"Apparently, the US cruise missile strike was prepared in advance. It is clear to any specialist that a decision on carrying out the strikes was made in Washington prior to the developments in Idlib, which were just used as a pretext for demonstrating strength."