Russian President Vladimir Putin called US Secretary of State John Kerry a “liar” for denying that al Qaeda elements were part of the myriad of groups forming the rebellion against the regime of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.

“He is lying and he knows that he is lying,” Mr. Putin told Russian television.  “This is sad.”

Testifying before a US Senate committee on Tuesday, Secretary Kerry had claimed that it was “basically incorrect” that al Qaeda were ascendant within the rebel ranks.  However, that was incorrect.  It has long been reported that al Qaeda groups such as the Nusra Front sit beneath the “Free Syrian Army” umbrella.

Putin said it was premature to say what Russia what do in the event of an attack on Syria, but he warned the US and its allies launching military action without United Nations approval would represent what he calls “an aggression”.

The Russian President also said he “doesn't exclude” backing the use of force against Syria at the United Nations if there is objective evidence proving that Assad's regime used chemical weapons against its people.  But given that the official line from Moscow is to claim that the rebels launched the 21 August chemical attack, and that Russia has thus far blocked any punitive measures against its ally Syria in the UN Security Council, that is unlikely.