US And Russia 'Close' On Aleppo Ceasefire Deal

Russia is close to reaching a deal with the United States on a ceasefire deal for the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo, a Russian deputy foreign minister has said.

The Syrian government and its ally Russia have previously rejected calls for a truce in the war-torn city.

They have instead kept up the military offensive that has squeezed and forced rebels to retreat in several areas.

Russian news agencies have quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying that Moscow and Washington are "close to reaching an understanding" on Aleppo but warned against "high expectations".

Aleppo in ruins (image: Freedom House)

US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Germany today (Wednesday) but did not release any statements.

Mr Ryabkov said the Kerry-Lavrov talks were extensive but that a final deal has not yet been worked out.

Cover image: United States Geneva Convention

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