Ready to work with Russia

♦ Russia, Turkey, Iran fail to agree on de-escalation zones 

♦ Syria will loom large in Putin-Trump discussions in G20 summit

The United States is willing to work with Russia on establishing "no-fly zones" in Syria as part of a joint effort to stabilize the war-ravaged country, the top US diplomat said Wednesday, ahead of President Donald Trump's first face-to-face with Vladimir Putin.

In a wide-ranging statement, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Russia had a "special responsibility" to help create stability on the ground -- or risk hobbling the fight against the Islamic State group.

Citing past cooperation in creating deconfliction zones in Syria, Tillerson made a strong case for both countries -- in spite of their "unresolved differences on a number of issues" -- to work together in Syria.

"The United States is prepared to explore the possibility of establishing with Russia joint mechanisms for ensuring stability, including no-fly zones, on the ground ceasefire observers, and coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance," he said.

Tillerson issued his statement before joining Trump in Europe, where the US leader will meet Putin for the first time today on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. Syria will loom large in their discussions.

On Wednesday, Russia, Turkey and Iran failed in talks to finalise an agreement on creating four de-escalation zones in Syria after Ankara raised objections in Astana talks, diplomats said.

The failure is a setback for Moscow, the main architect of the plan, as it seeks to take the lead in global efforts to settle the Syrian civil war.

"During these consultations, the Turkish side said it needed more time in order ... to make an appropriate decision," said senior Russian negotiator Alexander Lavrentyev.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said yesterday US-led coalition air strikes have killed at least 224 civilians since the Syrian forces it backs entered Islamic State group bastion Raqa a month ago.

Arab and Kurdish fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces broke into Raqa on June 6 after a months-long operation to encircle the northern city.