Russian officials arrive in Syria amid escalating violence

Russia's foreign minister has arrived in Damascus for talks with embattled President Bashar Assad amid escalating violence, a day after the U.S. closed its embassy and Britain recalled its ambassador from Syria.

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The escalating violence prompted the United States to close its embassy in Syria while Britain recalled its ambassador to Damascus in a clear message that Western powers see no point in engaging with Assad and now will seek to bolster Syria's opposition.

"This is a doomed regime as well as a murdering regime," British Foreign Secretary William Hague told lawmakers Monday.

"There is no way it can recover its credibility internationally."

U.S. President Barack Obama said the Syrian leader's departure is only a matter of time.

"We have been relentless in sending a message that it is time for Assad to go," Obama said during an interview with NBC. "This is not going to be a matter of if, it's going to be a matter of when."

Even as the U.S. steps up pressure on Assad to halt the violence and relinquish power, Obama said a negotiated solution was possible, without recourse to outside military intervention.

Later, however, White House spokesman Jay Carney said the administration was taking "no options off the table."

U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford and 17 other U.S. officials left Syria on Monday, arriving in Amman, Jordan, several hours later.

Ford was to travel on to Paris to spend time with his wife, the State Department said.

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