Washington: US President Barack Obama warned Friday that Russia's military engagement in Syria in support of strongman Bashar al-Assad is a "recipe for disaster," though Washington could still work with Moscow on reducing tensions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin "doesn't distinguish between ISIL and a moderate Sunni opposition that wants to see Mr Assad go," Obama told reporters, referring to the self-proclaimed Islamic State group.
"From their perspective, they're all terrorists. And that's a recipe for disaster."
Russia carried out a third day of air strikes in Syria, saying it targeted Islamic State jihadists, as Putin faced increased international criticism over his military campaign.
The West has raised concerns that Russian forces were also striking at rebel groups opposed to Assad, in a bid to bolster its ally.
Obama accused Moscow of "propping up a regime that is rejected by an overwhelming majority of the Syrian population."
He also said the United States would "continue to support" moderate rebels in Syria because they are groups that "can help pick up the pieces and stitch together a cohesive, coherent country" in the aftermath of Assad's rule.
Obama signaled he was willing to engage with Putin, particularly if Moscow "works instead to bring about a political settlement" instead of doubling down on its military support to Assad.
"I said to Mr Putin that I'd be prepared to work with him if he is willing to broker with his partners, Mr Assad and Iran, a political transition," Obama said.
"We can bring the rest of the world community to a brokered solution, but that a military solution alone -- an attempt by Russia and Iran to prop up Assad and try to pacify the population -- is just going to get them stuck in a quagmire."
Russian President Vladimir Putin "doesn't distinguish between ISIL and a moderate Sunni opposition that wants to see Mr Assad go," Obama told reporters, referring to the self-proclaimed Islamic State group.
"From their perspective, they're all terrorists. And that's a recipe for disaster."
The West has raised concerns that Russian forces were also striking at rebel groups opposed to Assad, in a bid to bolster its ally.
Advertisement
He also said the United States would "continue to support" moderate rebels in Syria because they are groups that "can help pick up the pieces and stitch together a cohesive, coherent country" in the aftermath of Assad's rule.
Advertisement
"I said to Mr Putin that I'd be prepared to work with him if he is willing to broker with his partners, Mr Assad and Iran, a political transition," Obama said.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"Bad Debate Nights Happen": Obama's Feeble Support For Ex-Veep Biden Barack Obama Reveals Why His Daughters Will Never Go Into Politics: ''Because Michelle...'' Video: Joe Biden Freezes At Fundraiser, Barack Obama Guides Him Off Stage Prank Goes Wrong: Woman Falls From 3rd Floor In Mumbai Building, Dies Puja Khedkar's Disability Document Has Factory Address, Ration Card Proof 25,000 Aspirants For Airport Jobs Paying Rs 22,000: A Mumbai Stampede Scare JoSAA Counselling 2024: All You Need To Know About NIT+System US Singer's "Rehab" Post After "Drunk" Performance Of National Anthem Suzuki Announces Technology Strategy For The Next 10 Years Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.