Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has assured Russian strongman Vladimir Putin of his government's readiness to respect a ceasefire deal brokered by Moscow and Washington, the Kremlin said Wednesday.

"A phone call took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad," the Kremlin said in a statement. "In particular, (Assad) confirmed the readiness of the Syrian government to facilitate the establishment of a ceasefire."