Spokesman Major Adrian Rankine-Galloway said Russia’s removal of their forces does not affect US priorities in Syria. He added that the coalition will continue to operate there in support of local forces on the ground to complete the military defeat of ISIS and stabilize liberated territory, in turn allowing for displaced Syrians and refugees to return.

EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said on Monday that the bloc was ready to do whatever was needed to support UN-brokered peace efforts, while warning that the conflict in Syria is likely to get worse.