In the interview, which was published on June 17, Lavrentiev said Turkey would struggle with an independent Kurdish state on its border for the long term.

“We told our Turkish colleagues that this may lead to an increase in separatist sentiments among the Kurds and motivate them to establish a state, and this is not in the interest of Syria, Turkey, Iran or Iraq,” the Russian diplomat said.

Lavrentiev also revealed that Russia has been trying to convince the SDF, which is backed by the US, to reach a settlement with Damascus, reunite Syria’s territory, and join the ranks of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA).

The Russian efforts came as the Turkish military and its proxies are preparing to launch a new operation against the SDF in northern and northeastern Syria.

According to Lavrentiev, Turkey is not interested in any talks with the SDF. The diplomat warned that a Turkish military operation against the group could lead to a confrontation with the SAA.

• Syrian troops are already deployed in several SDF-held areas, including the towns of Manbij and Tell Rifaat in the northern Aleppo countryside. In a recent speech, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the two towns will be the main target of any new Turkish operation in Syria.

Russia fears that a new Turkish military operation against the SDF would worsen the already fragile humanitarian situation in northern and northeastern Syria. Aside from its diplomatic efforts, Moscow has increased its military presence in the two regions on the hope that this could deter Ankara.

Source: SOUTHFRONT