Russian UN Envoy: We Didn’t Let Terrorists Capture Damascus

 Russia’s engagement in the Syrian crisis prevented militants from gaining control over Damascus, cut down their military and economic base and helped win back some captured Syrian territories, Russia’s UN envoy Vitaly Churkin told the UN Security Council.

"Russia’s [air forces] managed to prevent terrorists from gaining control over Damascus, we significantly cut down military and economic capabilities of militant groups and helped win back vast territories,” Churkin said at a Security Council meeting in New York on Friday.

Meanwhile, Russia keeps on trying to mediate the dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition forces to "come to a consensus and diplomatically settle the crisis,” Churkin added.

"We are convinced that there is no alternative to the political resolution [than the one] based on the inclusive inter-Syrian dialogue with the parallel provision of ceasefire, access to humanitarian aid and continuation of the fight against terrorism,” the Russian envoy said, stressing that Moscow has advocated a peaceful settlement while respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking of Russia’s humanitarian assistance, Churkin said that "massive humanitarian and medical aid is being provided to the Syrian population affected by the conflict. In the last few days, the main wave of humanitarian aid is being delivered to Aleppo.”

As the military operation in eastern Aleppo comes to an end, "overall ceasefire and resuming peace talks” becomes an ultimate goal in Syria, Churkin noted, adding that Damascus has more than once announced that it is open to dialogue.