Russia slams proposed UN resolution on Aleppo, calls it 'provocative step'

Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday slammed the proposed United Nation resolution demanding a temporary ceasefire in Aleppo as a 'provocative step.'

"Taking into account all aspects and the current development of the situation, the draft resolution coming against the backdrop of the Russian-American initiative is, for the most part, a provocative step that undermines Russian-American efforts," Lavrov told a press conference.

Meanwhile, Russian and the United States experts will hold talks in the coming days to determine the routes and timing for a total rebel withdrawal from eastern Aleppo, Lavrov announced.

"During the Russian-American consultations the concrete route and timeframe for the withdrawal of all fighters from eastern Aleppo will be agreed upon," he said, adding that the discussions in Geneva would likely start on either Tuesday or Wednesday.