Russian defense minister says lack of coordination postpones Syria settlement "indefinitely"

An absence of coordinated actions among different parties in Syria is putting back a political settlement there "indefinitely," Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday as fiece battles continue in the city of Aleppo.

The lack of coordination among partners of the peace process has been taken advantage by terrorists there, Shoigu said during a video conference.

The minister said Russia has not carried out airstrikes in the vicinity of Aleppo, partially held by rebels, for 16 days following the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During the period, more than 2,000 so-called moderate opposition militants have carried out massive strikes, shelling residential areas, schools and hospitals, according to Shoigu.

On Friday, the Russian military asked Putin to resume airstrikes against militants in eastern Aleppo due to frequent terrorist attacks, but the Russian leader decided to extend the humanitarian pause in the area, as he believed it is "inappropriate at the current time to resume airstrikes on Aleppo." Endi