The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the sharp escalation of the situation in Syria.

Russia is alarmed by the sharp escalation of the situation in Syria. This is stated in a comment by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, published on March 7 on the website of the diplomatic agency.

"We are alarmed by the sharp escalation of the situation in Syria. There is information about large—scale clashes in the provinces of Latakia and Tartus involving Syrian security forces and armed groups calling themselves "local resistance," the diplomat said.

Zakharova added that there are reports of a large number of dead and wounded on both sides. In addition, a curfew has been imposed in a number of major cities in the country.

"In these critical circumstances, we call on all reputable Syrian leaders capable of influencing the further development of the situation on the ground to do everything possible to end the bloodshed as soon as possible and prevent civilian casualties," she said.

The diplomat also confirmed the principled position of the Russian Federation in support of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the republic. Russia is counting on assistance in normalizing the situation from states that have influence on the situation in Syria, Zakharova concluded.

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At the end of January, it was reported that a delegation of Russian representatives, which included Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, arrived in Syria on an official visit for the first time after the change of power in the republic. The Russian interdepartmental delegation held talks with the head of the Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus. They were held in a "traditionally friendly manner."

At the end of December last year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia was interested in a dialogue with the new Syrian authorities. Moscow plans to discuss not only security issues, but also the regional agenda, he added.