The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has directed the Russian Armed Forces deployed in Syria to return home.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said: "I think that the task that was assigned to the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces as a whole has achieved its goal, and so I order the defence minister to start tomorrow withdrawing the main part of our military factions from the Syrian Arab Republic."

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

According to the ministry, the first group of Russian planes left Hmeymim air base in Syria on Tuesday, followed by another set of aircraft that took off from the airbase in Khmeimim.

"We knew beforehand that this is what was going to be announced because the Russians came here to achieve certain jobs, and we and they agreed that most of the jobs have been achieved."

Russia is accused of helping Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while the US-led coalition wants a neutral administration in the Middle Eastern country.

Senior adviser to Syrian President Bouthaina Shaaban was quoted by CNN as saying: "We were not surprised because the decision was made in coordination and consultation with us.

See Also:

"We knew beforehand that this is what was going to be announced because the Russians came here to achieve certain jobs, and we and they agreed that most of the jobs have been achieved."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The US and Russia had entered an agreement over the cessation of hostilities plan in Syria, which is to be enforced from 27 February.

The two nations are co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) that aims at peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis with support from the UN.

The countries agreed to jointly develop mechanisms to monitor the Syrian Government’s and other force’s compliance with the ceasefire.