Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Barack Obama spoke Monday via telephone shortly after Moscow announced it would begin a withdrawal of some of it forces from Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Barack Obama spoke Monday via telephone shortly after Moscow announced it would begin a withdrawal of some of it forces from Syria.

“They discussed President Putin’s announcement today of a partial withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria and next steps required to fully implement the cessation of hostilities with the goal of advancing the political negotiations on resolution of the conflict.” the White House said in a statement.

While acknowledging some progress on aid efforts, Obama urged the Syrian government to allow “unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance delivery to the agreed-upon locations, notably Daraya” that has been besieged.

While Putin’s announcement to pullout Russian forces surprised many, the Kremlin said Moscow’s military intervention in Syria that was launched in late September had achieved its goal, without giving specifics.