Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said that his ministry will carefully study UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura's proposals for the Russian humanitarian operation in Syria's Aleppo city. 

The first foreign reaction to Russia’s request to support the humanitarian operation in Aleppo is inspiring some optimism, Antonov told journalists on Friday.

Antonov was quoted by TASS news agency as saying that four humanitarian corridors would open in Aleppo, including one for the militants with arms.

The ministry also ordered the delivery of food, medical supplies and essentials to the people of Aleppo by air.

The military and diplomatic agencies have appealed to their foreign colleagues and leading foreign countries to support the Russian side’s efforts to render humanitarian assistance to the Aleppo population.

"The first reaction is inspiring some optimism," Antonov said.

He said that the Doctors Without Borders international organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Office of UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura had shown interest in the Russian initiative.

"Our colleagues noted that any initiative allowing ordinary Syrians to leave for safer areas might turn out to be positive. It is natural that concrete issues related to the relief aid provision need thorough planning and preparation," Antonov said.

Source: MENA