Russia urges Turkey to refrain from launching a military operation in northern Syria

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced yesterday that Russia urges Turkey to refrain from steps that could lead to a dangerous escalation of tension in northern Syria.

The announcement comes during the weekly press conference held by the Russian Foreign Ministry in the capital, Moscow, hours after Turkey, Sweden, and Finland signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding, which confirms Turkey’s approval of the two countries’ accession to NATO.

Zakharova considered that the armed activities without the approval of the legitimate government in Syria violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.

The Russian president’s special envoy to Syria Alexander Lavrentiev had previously considered that Russia views the possible Turkish military operation in northern Syria as an “unwise step that could lead to further escalation.”