MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. A "Ukrainian trace" is clearly evident in the escalation in Syria, and Russia strongly condemns this attack, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated during a briefing.

"We strongly condemn this attack, carried out by individuals recognized as terrorists by the United Nations Security Council. We emphasize the presence of a clear Ukrainian trace in the ranks of foreign militants, including those from the post-Soviet space," she stated.

The diplomat highlighted reports suggesting that the Kiev regime's security services are collaborating with terrorists, supplying them with drones and sharing expertise in their use. She further stated that this is neither the first nor the last region where the Kiev regime has employed its "criminal experience." "African countries were targeted before; now, it concerns Syria," Zakharova added.

"There is no doubt that the terrorists would not have undertaken such a bold move without incitement and comprehensive support from external forces aiming to provoke a new round of armed conflict in Syria. By escalating violence, the radicals clearly seek to undermine years of efforts to establish sustainable peace in the country, posing a significant security threat to civilians," the spokeswoman concluded.

On the morning of November 27, units of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) carried out a large-scale attack in northern Syria. According to the Syrian military command, the terrorists tried to attack villages and towns defended by government forces, as well as military facilities and the Syrian army’s positions. Syrian troops launched an operation to repel the attack. On November 30, the army command said that strikes had been carried out on the positions of militants penetrating many neighborhoods in the city of Aleppo. The Syrian Defense Ministry stated that the army had to regroup in order to protect the lives of civilians and military personnel and prepare for a counterattack.