Russia is working with Syria to launch a large-scale humanitarian operation aimed at helping civilians in Aleppo. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu urged other international organizations in the country to join the operation.

"Aleppo and the suburbs have ended up in a difficult situation, and are nearly in a critical humanitarian situation. That's why today, we need to launch a large-scale humanitarian operation aimed at helping civilians in Aleppo," Shoigu said.

Syrian government forces and allied troops have tightened the noose on the main rebel area in Aleppo, urging fighters there to surrender. Humanitarian groups have warned of a major disaster if the siege on the rebel-held parts of Aleppo continues. UN special envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura has called on Russia and the US to work together to reduce the violence in Syria before resuming the peace talks in Geneva towards the end of August. He said a failure of their cooperation plan would have a very negative impact on the talks.