Putin Warns against Moves that Could 'Shake' Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday warned against any moves that would further destabilize the situation in Syria, speaking after talks with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"In this crucial period it is especially important to avoid any moves that can shake the situation," Putin was quoted as saying by news agencies, days after Israeli forces launched air strikes against regime targets in Syria.

Netanyahu had been expected to warn Putin against delivering advanced S-300 missiles to Syria which would severely complicate any future air attacks against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Netanyahu in his public comments did not indicate whether he succeeded in convincing Putin to halt arms supplies to Syria or whether the two leaders reached any firm agreements.

Speaking to reporters, Netanyahu stressed that his country's task was to "defend its citizens."

"Together we are trying to find ways to strengthen stability and security, we have a remarkable opportunity to directly speak with each other," the Israeli premier was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

Russia has refused to halt arms supplies to the Damascus regime, saying it has to honor contracts it concluded before the war.