Sergey Shoygu stated that Russian Aerospace Forces aviation currently makes an average of 2–3 sorties per day for reconnaissance and air support for the actions of the Syrian army in the liquidation of opposition forces and adding that in 2015–2017, during an operation, their aviation performed an average of 80–90 sorties per day.

"In total, we tested 359 modern weapons in Syria," he said.

Russia has supported the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011: politically, with military aid, and since 30 September 2015 through direct military involvement. 

Throughout the course of the intervention, Russian airstrikes had been criticized and highlighted for conducting a campaign focusing on the destruction of hospitals and medical facilities as well killing several thousands of civilians. Due to this, Russia lost its seat at the UN Human Rights Council in October 2016. A report by Airwars found there had been a 34% increase in incidents of civilian harm caused by Russia during the first six months of 2018 compared to 2017.

In October 2018, Turkey and Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Idlib, the last rebel-held territory in Syria. The agreement was supposed to provide for a ceasefire and protect the three million people now living in the province. However, Syria and Russia have repeatedly broken the ceasefire causing a humanitarian catastrophe, as desperate civilians, fleeing the fighting, seek refuge. (ILKHA)