The United States and Russia announced Monday that a ceasefire in Syria will go into effect on February 27.

The United States and Russia announced Monday that a ceasefire in Syria will go into effect on February 27.

In a joint statement, the two countries said it would apply to parties to the five-year-old conflict that have committed to the cessation of hostilities, but not to ISIL or Al-Nusra Front, an Al-Qaeda affiliate.

Obama called Putin on Syria ceasefire: White House
  
US President Barack Obama called Russia's Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss their joint efforts to bring about an effective ceasefire in Syria, the White House said, cautioning that the road ahead would not be easy.

"This is a moment of opportunity and we are hopeful that all the parties will capitalize on it," White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters as he revealed the call between the two leaders.

Earnest, however, cautioned: "This is going to be difficult to implement."