Assad meets with Putin in Russia

Syrian President Bashar Assad traveled to Sochi, Russia, to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, The Associated Press reported. 

The two leaders discussed the ongoing clashes in Syria between pro-Assad forces and civilian rebels.

Assad reportedly told Putin that Syria is making progress in the fight against “terrorism,” which “opens the door to the political process.” 

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Assad also told the Russian president that he plans to send a delegation to the United Nations to discuss reforms to Syria’s constitution, the AP reported, citing Putin’s spokesman.

Russia has been one of Assad’s most critical allies throughout the ongoing civil war in Syria. 

The U.S., meanwhile, has backed rebels and Kurdish forces that oppose Assad’s rule.

Tensions between the U.S. and Russia arose last month following a chemical attack in the Syrian town of Douma that killed dozens of civilians. 

President Trump and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley condemned Russia for its role in the attack.

“We must not overlook Russia and Iran’s roles in enabling the Assad regime’s murderous destruction,” Haley said after the chemical attack, adding that Russian hands were “covered in blood” in the incident.

Trump condemned Assad as a “Gas Killing Animal,” and warned Russia to “get ready” for missiles en route to Syria.

The U.S., France and Great Britain later carried out coordinated targeted missile strikes in Syria.