Differences remain between Russia and Western countries ahead of an expected UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution addressing the Syrian conflict.
Russia opposes a draft proposed by the United States and its European allies because it includes the threat of sanctions and invokes Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter, which could eventually allow the use of force to end the conflict.
On July 17, Russia proposed a revised draft that does not contain such threats.
A new UN resolution is needed to extend the UN monitoring mission in Syria beyond July 20.
Ahead of the vote, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Syrian neighbor Turkey was due to discuss the crisis in Moscow with President Vladimir Putin.
China has previously joined with Russia to oppose a sanctions threat against Syria.
Russia opposes a draft proposed by the United States and its European allies because it includes the threat of sanctions and invokes Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter, which could eventually allow the use of force to end the conflict.
On July 17, Russia proposed a revised draft that does not contain such threats.
A new UN resolution is needed to extend the UN monitoring mission in Syria beyond July 20.
Ahead of the vote, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Syrian neighbor Turkey was due to discuss the crisis in Moscow with President Vladimir Putin.
China has previously joined with Russia to oppose a sanctions threat against Syria.