Russia on Tuesday began the process of drawing down its forces in Syria following an order by President Vladimir Putin.
The Russian defense ministry issued a statement saying technicians were preparing aircraft at the Hmeymim airbase in Latakia province for flights back to Russia. State television also showed images of equipment being loaded onto planes.
Putin said Monday the "bulk" of his military contingent in Syria would leave now that they have largely fulfilled their tasks there.
Angola's U.N. Ambassador Ismael Gaspar Martins, who holds the rotating presidency of the U.N. Security Council, said Russia's move and the launch of peace talks in Geneva on Monday means there is a mood in the council toward "a more positive outcome."
In Damascus, the office of Syria's presidency said Assad agreed to Russia's decision, but added that Russia had promised its air force contingent that arrived in late September will not leave the country altogether.
The White House said U.S. President Barack Obama called Putin Monday to discuss Russia's announcement of a withdrawal, and to talk about how to advance the political negotiations for Syria.