(AP) -- Russia is hosting Syria peace talks in the Black Sea resort of Sochi next week.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with Interfax news agency that the U.S. is promoting "rigged, unverified reports" of the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria to hamper Russia's peace efforts.

Ryabkov's remarks came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Moscow "ultimately bears responsibility for the victims" of a new suspected chemical attack outside the Syrian capital Damascus.

(Photo: Sputnik)