US suspends talks with Russia

The US has claimed it is suspending talks with Russia over Syria, accusing Moscow of having ‘failed to live up’ to its commitments under a ceasefire deal. Following intensified attacks against civilians, the US recently warned that it would halt the talks unless Moscow stopped bombing the city of Aleppo. Approximately 250,000 people are trapped in eastern Aleppo, with hundreds of people, including children, having died since government forces launched an offensive to take full control of Aleppo after the week-long truce lapsed. In a statement, John Kirby, state department spokesman, said: "The United States is suspending its participation in bilateral channels with Russia that were established to sustain the cessation of hostilities. "Unfortunately, Russia failed to live up to its own commitments, and was also either unwilling or unable to ensure Syrian regime adherence to the arrangements to which Moscow agreed. "Rather, Russia and the Syrian regime have chosen to pursue a military course. This is not a decision that was taken lightly.” Russia and the US were due to convene in Geneva to try to co-ordinate air strikes against jihadist groups, but American officials were told to return home. The two sides would keep talking about counter terrorism operations in Syria to avoid unnecessary clashes.