Obama: Grave differences between US and Russia over Syria

U.S. President Barack Obama said on Sunday that talks with Russia will be key in reaching any deal to end hostilities in Syria, but negotiations are difficult and grave differences remain between Washington and Moscow.

The United States has long been interested in finding a way to reduce violence and improve humanitarian aid in Syria but it would be difficult to get to the next phase if there is no buy-in from Russia, Obama told a news conference in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, where global leaders are convening for a G20 summit.