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ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia’s military operation in Syria had reinforced the statehood of that country and its legitimate government but that it was too early to say a breakthrough had been reached.

“It is too early to say we have reached a crucial breakthrough, but it is evident that we have accomplished our mission,” Putin said, referring to Russia’s operation in Syria.

He added that with Russia’s support Syria’s army was liberating new settlements from “terrorists”.