Analysis by Jonathan Marcus, BBC diplomatic correspondent
Mr Putin is effectively saying "job done" in Syria. He is clear, though, that a Russian air base and a naval base will remain, so this is not a total military pull-out.
Coinciding with the Syria peace talks, it is yet another sign of Mr Putin's mastery of diplomatic showmanship.
Russia has about 30 combat aircraft in Syria and a small ground component protecting them, along with an unspecified number of Russian advisers and special forces on the ground, operating with the Syrian military.
Russia's intervention has achieved its main goals - consolidating President Assad's position, enabling his forces to re-take key pieces of strategic territory and ensuring that Mr Assad remains a factor in any future Syrian settlement.