Russia, U.S. Agree on Syrian Ceasefire

Russian and U.S. representatives meet to discuss the situation in Syria

The US and Russian governments and Russian governments announced on February 11 that they had reached agreements towards a ceasefire and to provide humanitarian aid to Syrian cities in need of basic supplies. The aid would be followed by a “cessation of hostilities” between Syrian rebel groups and Bashar Al-Assad’s government forces. The ceasefire is proposed to begin on March 1. Officials have expressed hope that the successful ceasefire accompanied by humanitarian aid might lead to further, more comprehensive agreements in the future.

The deal comes as Russian-backed government troops have stepped up efforts to control the city of Aleppo. Over 50,000 Syrians have fled the city in the face of increased violence.

In the wake of the deal’s announcement, officials are already expressing doubts that the deal will be put into place. Russian officials have expressed that the deal is more likely to be a failure than to be a success.

Tension remains between Russia and the US. The Russian army has continued to launch airstrikes on rebel groups who oppose the Assad government. However, the US maintains that Russian airstrikes have both hit civilian targets and targeted groups who have helped in the fight against the Islamic State.