Russia and the US have reached a new agreement to enforce a ceasefire in Syria, which is expected to come into effect on 27 February, subject to the agreement of other parties, exluding exclude ISIS, al-Nusra Front (Jabhat al-Nusra), and groups that are designated terrorist organisations. There is considerable scepticism surrounding the planned ceasefire, but the fact that Russia and the US issued a joint statement on the issue is being taken as a positive sign. The agreement states violations of the ceasefire will be reported on a hotline to a special task force co-chaired by America and Russia which will have power to determine a group can no longer be deemed party to the agreement, and so once again open to military attack. The Russian Foreign Ministry has said it will not allow any foreign military forces inside Syria. Notably, both Russia and the US have agreed to act as direct guarantors and monitors of the cessation of hostilities.
Russia and the US have reached a new agreement to enforce a ceasefire in Syria, which is expected to come into effect on 27 February, subject to the agreement of other parties, exluding exclude ISIS, al-Nusra Front (Jabhat al-Nusra), and groups that are designated terrorist organisations. There is considerable scepticism surrounding the planned ceasefire, but the fact that Russia and the US issued a joint statement on the issue is being taken as a positive sign. The Russian Foreign Ministry has said it will not allow any foreign military forces inside Syria. Notably, both Russia and the US have agreed to act as direct guarantors and monitors of the cessation of hostilities.