An NFL spokesman stated that the NFL categorically rejects any joint Russian-Turkish patrols inside the DMZ as part of any ceasefire deal, adding that they would only accept Turkish troops. The Syrian Democratic Forces/Rojava leadership has expressed a completely contrasting opinion in the past, stating that they would be ready to fight on the side of the Syrian Government against the rebel groups, which they deem to be "Turkish-backed militants", viewing them as identical to those in Afrin.