‘Optimism far from reality’: Moscow dismisses West’s ‘rosy forecasts’ on Raqqa offensive

‘Moscow has questioned the Western coalition’s optimism about soon recapturing Raqqa from Islamic State, saying only international cooperation can help liberate the city. However, it is exactly coordinated partnership on various fronts that is lacking.
The “very hard but essential” battle for Raqqa is just days away, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian claimed on Friday.
“France has always said that [liberating] Raqqa is the main aim. Today, we can say that Raqqa is surrounded and the battle will begin in the coming days,” he told France’s CNEWS television.
Moscow does not share the “optimism” of the French official, Russia’s Defense Ministry said Saturday. Having questioned Le Drian’s sources for such a prognosis, the Russian ministry’s spokesman, Igor Konashenkov, said it had “nothing to do with reality and the situation on the ground.”‘
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