Use of ground troops in Syrian conflict could result in world war: Russian PM

Munich: Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev says the use of ground troops in the Syrian conflict could result in world war.

Medvedev was quoted as saying in an interview published late Thursday by the German newspaper Handelsblatt that "a ground operation draws everyone taking part in it into a war."

When asked about a recent proposal from Saudi Arabia to send in ground troops to Syria, the prime minister answered that "the Americans and our Arab partners must consider whether or not they want a permanent war."

Medvedev criticised Western powers' refusal to collaborate with Russia in Syria. The prime minister said ties at the level of defence departments are only sporadic.