Defence Minister Jason Kenney says he is "not concerned" that Canadian fighter jets may come into contact with Russian forces in Syria.
Russia began airstrikes in Syria, its long-time ally, last week. The recent development has added another dimension to the conflict, which already involved President Bashar Assad's government forces, ISIS, the U.S.-led coalition and numerous other factions.
U.S. officials say that Russia has been bombing targets other than ISIS militants.
In an interview with Â鶹´«Ã½ on Wednesday, Kenney said that, to date, "there has been no proximity" between the Royal Canadian Airforce and Russian planes.
"We've only been operating in far eastern Syria, on a few occasions, and the Russians are primarily operating far west of there," said Kenney.
He added that there are "protocols" in place that prevent coalition aircraft from drawing to near to Russian forces.
"We're confident that we can maintain a distance," said Kenney.
However, Kenney stressed that he is "concerned" about the situation and that U.S. Secretary of Defence, Ashton Carter, is currently in discussion with Russians to avoid any "potential proximity."
"We would just ask the Russians to exercise extreme caution, and to not do anything rash or imprudent," said Kenney.
Kenney said that in engagements such as Syria, where there's no "total agreement on strategic objectives," there are also back channels to prevent any "potential conflicts."
"We would encourage the Russians to work with the Americans, who are basically in control of the movements of coalition aircraft," said Kenney.
The defence minister also called Russia's involvement in the conflict "mischief on the part of Vladimir Putin."
"We think he's trying to distract international attention from his ongoing invasion of eastern Ukraine," said Kenney.
Kenney said that the Russian offensive in Syria will be on the agenda at a NATO meeting of ministers of defence next week in Brussels.
He added that he wants to ensure there is an ongoing dialogue between the two parties.
"Vladimir Putin isn't helping to bring about peace in Syria by propping up the Assad regime -- he's prolonging the war," said Kenney.
"We would ask Russia to be more constructive in dealing with the Western governments and NATO in finding … a political solution that brings an end to the Syrian civil war."
