Russia urges joint strikes on Syria rebels but U.S. reacts coolly

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu attend a meeting with top generals at the Bocharov Ruchei state residence in Sochi, Russia

Russia has proposed to the U.S.-led coalition that they stage joint air strikes on Syrian rebels, including militant Islamist group Nusra Front, who are not observing a ceasefire, but the United States responded coolly on Friday.

Such action would begin as of May 25 and be coordinated with the Syrian government, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told a Defence Ministry meeting broadcast on state television, adding Moscow reserved the right to stage strikes unilaterally.