The priority now is to prevent an even worse disaster for the civilian population. This means that we urgently need UN‑controlled humanitarian access routes to Aleppo by which people can be provided with water and food.

We call on the parties to the conflict to impose an immediate humanitarian ceasefire so that the relief supplies can reach people. The Syrian regime’s attacks against the civilian population must cease immediately. As a supporter of the Syrian army, Russia also has a responsibility to prevent the imminent humanitarian disaster.