In this handout photo distributed by Crimean government's press office, the head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov, centre left, and Syrian President Bashar Assad speak during their meeting in Damscus, Syria, October 16, 2018. Editorial use only, no archive, no commercial use.

16.10.2018#5668449

In this handout photo distributed by Crimean government's press office, Syrian President Bashar Assad, right, receives a small sculpture representing Russian servicemen, who were in Crimea during preparations for a referendum on the self-determination of the peninsula, during his meeting with the head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov, second left, in Damscus, Syria, October 16, 2018. Editorial use only, no archive, no commercial use.

16.10.2018#5668444

In this handout photo distributed by Crimean government's press office, the head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov, left, shakes hands with Syrian President Bashar Assad during their meeting in Damscus, Syria, October 16, 2018. Editorial use only, no archive, no commercial use.

16.10.2018#5668381

In this handout photo distributed by Crimean government's press office, the head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov and Syrian President Bashar Assad, unseen, speak during their meeting in Damscus, Syria, October 16, 2018. Editorial use only, no archive, no commercial use.

16.10.2018#5668370

In this handout photo distributed by Crimean government's press office, Syrian President Bashar Assad speaks to the head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov, unseen, during their meeting in Damscus, Syria, October 16, 2018. Editorial use only, no archive, no commercial use.

16.10.2018#5668367

In this handout photo distributed by Crimean government's press office, the head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov, centre left, and Syrian President Bashar Assad, centre right, speak during their meeting in Damscus, Syria, October 16, 2018. Editorial use only, no archive, no commercial use.

16.10.2018#5668363

In this handout photo distributed by Crimean government's press office, the head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov, left, and Syrian President Bashar Assad speak during their meeting in Damscus, Syria, October 16, 2018. Editorial use only, no archive, no commercial use.

16.10.2018#5668357