Syrian President   Bashar al–Assad affirmed that any step pertaining to Syria’s future is up to the Syrian authorities to decide, and not Russians, but the situation in the country would be worse without the support of Russia, Europe1 reported.

“No, President Vladimir Putin does not make decisions in Syria. We make these decisions. Russia respects our sovereignty. There was interaction with Syria at every passed strategic or tactical stage. They have never done anything, without consulting us,” Assad said.