5 March

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are set to meet in Moscow on Thursday amid rising tensions between their countries over fighting in Syria.

Fighting between forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkish troops backing Syrian rebels intensified last week in the northwestern province of Idlib, the rebels' last stronghold. The violence has forced some 960,000 people from their homes, deepening a humanitarian crisis.

Turkey is demanding that Assad's forces withdraw from Idlib, while Russia has been supporting Assad's efforts to win back the province.

Thursday's summit will be the first face-to-face meeting between the leaders of Turkey and Russia about the escalation in fighting. Attention is focused on whether they can agree on a ceasefire or some other breakthrough measure.

NHK