Zakharova: U.S. pullout to help settle situation in Syria

Washington's decision to withdraw the army from Syria will contribute to a comprehensive settlement of the situation in the country, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

"We understand the importance of this decision, which, according to our assessment, is to contribute to a comprehensive settlement of the situation," the diplomat said.

"American official representatives make it clear that the withdrawal of the army from Syrian territory does not mean the end of the activity of the so-called international coalition led by the U.S. in the fight against the ISIS," Zakharova noted.

On December 19, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Washington’s decision to begin the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria. He noted that the United States had succeeded in its mission to defeat the ISIS, terror group.