The announcement came amid reports the Russian consulate building in Aleppo has been attacked by al-Nusra Front militants. The Russian Foreign Ministry says the building came under mortar fire on Thursday. One shell fell in the territory of the consulate, while three more exploded near the fence outside the building.

No casualties have been reported. Its not the first time the consulate has been targeted. In 2013, staff from the building were evacuated, and some diplomats were transferred to Damascus.

In response to this week's attacks, the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation said the al-Nusra Front was attempting to derail the Syrian peace process.