Russia's Special Presidential Envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev talks to the media ahead of a new round of the Astana-format talks at the 15th International meeting on Syria, in Sochi, Russia. The talks will include a discussion of kidnappings of Syrian soldiers for ransom by militant groups. Activation of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group (banned in Russia) was causing concerns, and escalation should be avoided, he said.
