Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday branded U.S. support for rebel forces in Syria as illegal and ineffective, saying U.S.-trained rebels were leaving to join Islamic State with weapons supplied by Washington.
In an interview with U.S. networks recorded ahead of a meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama, Putin said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad deserved international support as he was fighting terrorist organizations.
Obama and Putin are scheduled to talk on Monday after Putin addresses the United Nations, although White House and Kremlin officials have disagreed on what the two leaders will discuss and even who initiated the meeting.
WNU Editor: I can hear Putin saying this to President Obama in their meeting tomorrow .... 60 Minutes of Putin: Syria’s Assad Combats Terrorism, While US-Backed Fighters Join ISIL (Sputnik).
More News On Russian President Putin's Visit To the U.S. On Monday
Vladimir Putin: Syria has only one lawful army, President al-Assad's army -- Russia Beyond The Headlines
Putin: Russia provides military assistance only to legitimate army of Assad in Syria -- TASS
Assad’s enemies may be portrayed as opposition, but he fights terrorists – Putin -- RT
Putin on upcoming U.N. speech -- CBS
Putin to offer Russian military for fight against ISIS: report -- NYP
Putin says seeking 'coordinated framework' to fight IS -- AFP
Islamist threat forces Putin's hand -- Deutsche Welle
With Putin in the limelight, edgy UN awaits clarity on Russia's Syria move -- Al Jazeera
Vladimir Putin bids for major world role as his forces move into Syria -- The Guardian
On Syria, Putin Is Catering to an Audience at Home -- NYT