Russia, Israel believe continuation of Syria conflict detrimental to entire region - Putin

"The situation causes our special concern. My counterpart [Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu] and I share the understanding that the continuation of the armed conflict in this country is fraught with extremely detrimental consequences both for Syria and the region," Putin said following negotiations with Netanyahu in Sochi.

Vladimir Putin added, in dealing with the crisis in Syria, it is "especially important" today "to avoid any action that can undermine the situation."

Worst-case scenario in Syria can be prevented only through political process - Putin

The situation in Syria is alarming, and only the soonest possible termination of the armed conflict and transition to a political settlement process can prevent the worst-case scenario, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, Voice of Russia correspondent reports.

"It is only the soonest possible termination of the armed conflict and the armed hostilities and transition to a political settlement that can prevent a negative scenario," Putin said following negotiations with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in Sochi.

Moves must be avoided in Syria that could shake the situation - Putin

"The only way to prevent a negative scenario in Syria is the soonest end of the armed conflict and the beginning of political settlement," said Vladimir Putin at the press conference after the talks with Benjamin Netanyahu, Voice of Russia correspondent reports.

Putin added, that Russia and Israel believe violence in Syria would have dire consequences for Syria and region.

Putin and Netanyahu start talks on the conflict in Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began talks on the conflict in Syria amid growing concern about Moscow's continuing arms deliveries to the Damascus regime and a spiralling death toll.

"I certainly expect to speak with you about the situation in the region, including around Syria," Russian news agencies quoted Putin as telling Netanyahu at the start of the talks at the Russian leader's Black Sea residence in Sochi.

Putin greeted the Israeli prime minister, noting that Russian-Israeli relations have been developing positively. "We are keeping in touch with you and your colleagues all the time, including over the phone," the Russian president said.

"Together we can think about how to make it (the Middle East region) more secure and stable," Netanyahu replied.

Netanyahu is expected to warn Putin against delivering advanced S-300 missiles to the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad which would severely complicate any future air attacks against his regime.