Sputnik- Russia has started the reduction of its military group in Syria.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)�� Russia's planned reduction of�its military presence in�Syria has begun with�a Northern Fleet carrier group led by�the Admiral Kuznetsov heavy carrier, the chief of�the Russian Armed Forces General Staff said Friday. "In accordance with�the decision of�Supreme Commander-in-Chief of�the Russian Armed Forces Vladimir Putin, the Defense Ministry is beginning to�reduce the Armed Forces grouping in�Syria," Gen. Valery Gerasimov told reporters.

Gerasimov said the reduction begins with�the Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov, the Pyotr Veliky battlecruiser and auxiliary ships.

He noted that the nationwide ceasefire in�Syria took effect at�midnight local time on�December 30 (22:00 GMT on�December 29). The Russian Armed Forces' carrier group led by�the Admiral Kuznetsov heavy carrier will embark from�the Mediterranean to�Northern Fleet's base later in�the day, Gerasimov said. The decision to�cut Russia's military presence in�the Arab republic was made by�Putin at�the recommendation of�Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on�December 29. Never miss a story again�� sign up�to our Telegram channel and we'll keep you up�to speed!