Russian: Rebels behind attack

Russian President Putin hinted that his country may approve a UN military operation in Syria, should further evidence of Assad's involvement be presented. However this more nuanced stance belies his ongoing links to the Assad regime, which Russia provides military and logistical support to.

Read: Russia to respect Syria weapons contracts

Speaking from Damascus, International Editor Bill Neely looks ahead to tomorrow's G20 Summit, which may turn into a bitter affair.

More: Putin casts doubt on Syria 'chemical attack' videos

The Russian foreign ministry said its expert findings show that the chemical weapon used in the chemical attack in Syria are similar to ones made by a rebel group.

Read: John Kerry says it is 'beyond doubt' that Assad used chemical weapons

Responding to the Russian President's comments, David Cameron's official spokesman told a regular Westminster media briefing:

Asked if Downing Street believes the president's remarks indicate a greater willingness to contemplate approving action against Assad by the UN Security Council, the spokesman said:

Russia is sending a missile cruiser to the eastern Mediterranean to take over the navy's operations in the region, military sources said according to the Interfax news agency.

President Vladimir Putin said Russia had provided some components of the S-300 air defence missile system to Syria but had frozen further shipments.

He suggested that Russia may sell the missile systems elsewhere if western nations attack Syria without UN Security Council backing.

In an interview with The Associated Press and Russia's state Channel 1 television, he said: "We have a contract for the delivery of the S-300s. We have supplied some of the components, but the delivery hasn't been completed. We have suspended it for now.

"But if we see that steps are taken that violate the existing international norms, we shall think how we should act in the future, in particular regarding supplies of such sensitive weapons to certain regions of the world."

President Vladimir Putin has suggested that videos purporting to show children killed in an alleged chemical attack may not be reliable.

He said "there is an opinion" that the videos were a "compilation by al-Qaeda-connected bandits," the Russian Interfax news agency reports.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia may approve a military operation in Syria if Damascus is proven to have carried out chemical weapons attacks, but such an operation can only be conducted with UN approval.

President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia is sticking to its contracts to supply Syria's legitimate government with military equipment and services, according to Russia's Interfax news agency.

He also told the Associated Press that Russia has provided some components of the S-300 air defence missile system to Syria but has frozen further shipments.

Russia's President Putin has warned the West against taking one-sided action in Syria.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Associated Press, he said that Russia would act "decisively" only when it had proof that chemical weapons were used.