Zakharova called the issue of Russians' safety in Syria a priority

Russia's priority in the situation of escalation in Syria is to ensure the safety of Russian citizens, and everything necessary is being done for this purpose. This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on December 11.

"Now the most important thing, our priority is, of course, the safety of our citizens: these are specialists, military, diplomats, journalists. Everything necessary is being done to ensure their safety. The Russian Federation is in contact with representatives of various forces on the ground," Zakharova said on Sputnik radio.

Also, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry called the situation in Syria dramatic.

"The main thing is that it should not turn from dramatic into total tragedy," Zakharova noted.

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On December 8, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, after negotiations with the opposition, decided to leave the post of head of state and leave the country, instructing to carry out the transfer of power peacefully. Russia is in contact with the Syrian opposition and is taking measures for the safety of its citizens. It was later confirmed that Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow.

On the same day, the national coalition of revolutionary and opposition forces in Syria said it was working to form a transitional authority. In turn, SAR Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali said that most Syrian government officials remain in Damascus, and he himself is ready to cooperate with any elected leadership.

The Russian diplomatic ministry said Russia will do everything possible to achieve sustainable and long-term peace in the Middle East, with the main task being to ensure the safety of Russian citizens in the country.

The situation in Syria has escalated as a result of a major attack by armed formations in Aleppo and Idlib, which began on November 28 and led to the Syrian army's retaliatory actions against the militants.