Russian and US military commanders discuss situation in Syria
Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov discussed the situation surrounding Eastern Ghouta with US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford. According to the Russian Defense Ministry report cited by RBC, the phone call was initiated by Gerasimov.
“Army General Valery Gerasimov and General Joseph Dunford agreed to continue bilateral contact,” the department added.
On March 13, Gerasimov said that provocation involving the use of chemical weapons is being planned against the Syrian government forces. He believes this may result in a US missile strike on Damascus. The general emphasized that the Russian Defense Ministry is prepared to take response measures against a possible US airstrike if Russian soldiers in Syria are threatened.
On Monday March 12, US Permanent Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said that if the Security Council does not take steps to resolve the situation in Eastern Ghouta, the US government will start to take action independently.