Given the situation, a unilateral ceasefire makes no sense,
since Jabhat al-Nusra and groups allied to it will
once again be given a breather, will regroup and restore
their military capability.
Russian Federation is working with the U.N. and countries
that have influence over Nusra Front to withdraw its formations
out of Aleppo in accordance with the initiative by U.N.
Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura. We understand that settling
all the issues would take time, so in the meantime we have
decided not to lose time and to initiate a humanitarian
pause first and foremost so that civilians can move freely,
for the evacuation of the sick and wounded,
and also for the removal of rebels.