Russian withdrawal may end war in Syria

The Syrian opposition said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s move to draw down his forces in their country could pave the way for an end to five years of fighting, although they said Moscow had not informed them of the decision.

Spokesman Salim al-Muslat told reporters that the Russian withdrawal could also end Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad’s “dictatorship and his crimes”.

But Russia will be judged by its actions, following Putin’s surprise announcement, British foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, said.