The only objective of Russia’s operation in Syria is to contribute to the establishment of peace, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

He reiterated that Russia’s operation in Syria is fully legitimate.

“After the appeal of Syria’s official authorities for support we took a decision to begin a military operation in that country. I’ll once again reiterate that it is absolutely legitimate.   Its only purpose is to contribute to the establishment of peace,” Putin said.

He expressed hope that the actions of Russia’s Air-Space Forces will help official authorities “create conditions for subsequent actions in the sphere of political normalization,” Gazeta reports.