War on terror

Syria conflict: Russia wants 'co-ordination' against IS

In an interview with CBS television, Mr Putin said the Syrian president's troops were "the only legitimate conventional army there".

He said the troops were fighting terrorist organisations, and Russia "would be pleased to find common ground for joint action against the terrorists".

Mr Putin added Russia would not participate in any troop operations in Syria.

US Secretary of State John Kerry, however, said the efforts were "not yet co-ordinated" and the US had "concerns about how we are going to go forward".