Russia has a vital role in bringing Syria’s warring sides together to the negotiation table, US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters on Thursday. Psaki said that the US considers Russia its key partner in efforts to realize the upcoming peace conference and support a political transition in Syria. Her announcement followed a report on the Al-Manar TV channel that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had confirmed the first shipment of S-300 air defense missiles from Russia. US National Security Council Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden refused to comment on Assad’s claim and expressed her concern over Russia’s arms shipments, which may exacerbate the situation. Hayden said that the US wanted to work with Russia towards a political solution and to resolve the crisis in Syria.

Free Syrian Army fighters react during the firing of a rocket towards forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Deir al-Zor May 15, 2013. (Photo: Reuters)

On the same day, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the US’s refusal to rule out a Syria no-fly zone. Its openness to the possibility of a no-fly zone and other declarations and acts by Western governments "raised doubts about the sincerity of some partners regarding international efforts to achieve a political settlement."