MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. Moscow condemns the seizure of Syrian territories, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at his combined annual press conference and question-and-answer session.

"Russia condemns the seizure of any Syrian territory. Our position will not change on this," he said, commenting on the situation around Israel’s seizure of the Golan Heights.

"I don’t know what Israel’s ultimate goal is in the Gaza Strip but it deserves nothing but condemnation," Putin added. The president also pointed out that Russia had repeatedly clarified its stance at all levels, particularly within the UN Security Council.

Russia is hopeful that Israel will leave Syria at some point, Putin stressed. "However, it is currently deploying additional troops there. The number has already reached several thousand, as far as I know. It seems to me that not only do they have no plans to withdraw troops but they seek to reinforce their position there," he said.