For almost ten years, it was the might of Russian military support that sustained Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
In light of the remarkable developments that have unfolded over the past day.
Reports indicate that Damascus has succumbed, leading to the ousting of Syria’s president, who is said to have fled to Moscow.
According to a source within the Kremlin, Russian news agencies and state television have reported that Russia has provided asylum to Assad and his family “on humanitarian grounds.”
In just a few days, the Kremlin’s initiative in Syria has collapsed under dramatic circumstances, leaving Moscow unable to intervene effectively.
The Russian foreign ministry issued a statement expressing Moscow’s ” extreme concern about the dramatic events in Syria.”
The potential collapse of the Assad regime represents a significant setback for Russia’s standing on the global stage.
In 2015, Russia deployed thousands of troops to support President Assad, a move that underscored its ambition to establish itself as a significant player on the global stage.
Vladimir Putin faced his first significant challenge to the West’s power and dominance, which extended beyond the boundaries of the former Soviet Union.
It was a successful endeavour. In 2017, President Putin visited Russia’s Hmeimim air base in Syria, where he proclaimed that the mission had been accomplished.
In a move that underscores its confidence, the Russian defence ministry arranged for international media to be flown to Syria despite ongoing reports of civilian casualties resulting from Russian airstrikes. This decision highlights the ministry’s determination to showcase its military operations amidst the controversy.
During a recent trip, an officer remarked that Russia’s presence in Syria is intended to be a long-term commitment.
This situation transcended mere prestige
The Syrian government has granted Russia 49-year leases on the Hmeimim air base and the Tartous naval base as part of a military assistance agreement.
Russia has established a significant presence in the eastern Mediterranean region. The bases emerged as crucial centres for moving military contractors to and from Africa.
A crucial inquiry for Moscow: what is the future of the Russian bases now?
The announcement regarding Assad’s arrival in Moscow included a note that Russian officials were engaging with representatives of “the Syrian armed opposition”.
A state television anchor reported that opposition leaders have assured the safety of Russian military installations and diplomatic missions within Syria.
Russia’s foreign ministry has announced that the bases in Syria are now operating under a “state of high alert.” However, officials assert that there is “no serious threat to them at the current time.”
Bashar al-Assad emerged as a key ally for Russia in the Middle East, solidifying a partnership with significant geopolitical implications. The Kremlin allocated significant resources in support of him. The Russian authorities will likely find it challenging to frame his removal as anything other than a significant setback for Moscow.
Despite their efforts, a tendency remains to seek out those to blame.
On Sunday night, the flagship weekly news program of Russian state television criticised the Syrian army, seemingly attributing blame for its lack of resistance against rebel forces.
“The situation was increasingly becoming more dramatic for the Syrian authorities, as observed by all,” stated anchor Yevgeny Kiselev.
In Aleppo, positions were surrendered almost without resistance. Fortified areas fell one after another, ultimately being detonated, even though government troops were better equipped and significantly outnumbered the attackers. A puzzling enigma has emerged!
The anchor asserted that Russia “has consistently sought reconciliation [among various factions] in Syria.”
He concluded with a significant remark: “Of course, we are not indifferent to what is happening in Syria.” However, the primary focus remains on Russia’s own security, particularly regarding the developments in the Special Military Operation.
The implications for the Russian public are unmistakable.
After nearly a decade of substantial investment in supporting Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Russian citizens are now being directed to focus on other pressing concerns.
