*PUTIN ORDERS `MAIN PART' OF RUSSIAN ARMY TO START SYRIA PULLOUT

*PUTIN SPOKE W/ ASSAD, TOLD HIM OF DECISION TO PULL OUT: PESKOV

So having stated proof of Turkish troops in Syria this morning, and after the resignation of the Russian navy commander, Putin tells the foreign ministry to intensify their role in the peace process.

First this...

Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Viktor Chirkov has resigned and will be succeeded by Northern Fleet Commander Admiral Vladimir Korolev, a source in the Russian Defense Ministry told TASS on Monday.

"Chirkov handed in resignation for health reasons due to which he cannot perform the commander's duties around two weeks ago. Admiral Vladimir Korolev who is now acting commander-in-chief is expected to be appointed Navy's new commander-in-chief," the source said.

Then this...

Russia has evidence that Turkish troops are on Syrian territory, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview broadcast on Sunday, accusing Turkey of a "creeping expansion" on its border with Syria.