Aleppo: Russia 'ready for talks' on withdrawal of rebels

Russia has said it is "ready" for talks with the United States to allow for withdrawal of rebels from eastern Aleppo as the Syrian forces continue to advance in the besieged city.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces and allies from Russia, Iran and Hezbollah are estimated to have seized 60 percent of territory formerly controlled by the opposition in a bloody campaign marred by allegations of war crimes on both sides, reports the Independent.

"We are immediately ready to send out military experts, and diplomats to Geneva in order to agree mutual actions with our American colleagues to ensure the pullout of all the rebels without exclusion from eastern Aleppo," said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

The United Nations and humanitarian groups have demanded safe passage for civilians to leave opposition areas amid fierce fighting and bombardment, with hundreds reportedly killed since the regime's offensive started last month.