About our Russia/Syria news
Latest news on Russia-Syria relations, covering Assad's Moscow exile, fate of Russian military bases, diplomatic fallout, strategic setbacks and regional power shifts post-regime collapse.
The relationship between Russia and Syria has entered a critical new phase with the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government on 8 December 2024. Moscow has granted asylum to Assad and his family, marking the end of Russia's most significant Middle Eastern alliance and dealing a major blow to its regional influence.
Russia faces significant strategic losses in Syria, particularly regarding its military installations. The naval base at Tartus - Russia's only warm-water port outside the former Soviet Union - and the air base at Hmeimim are now at risk as opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham advance toward government-held coastal areas. Russia's limited air support during the recent rebel offensive proved insufficient to protect Assad's regime.
The collapse of Assad's government represents a major setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin's ambitions to project power globally. Moscow's 2015 military intervention in Syria had been heralded as proof of Russia's return as a major international player, but its inability to prevent Assad's fall while focused on the war in Ukraine has damaged its reputation as a reliable ally.
Russia's influence in Syria has been significantly diminished, though it maintains diplomatic relations with the caretaker government led by Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali. Moscow's military commitments in Ukraine, combined with operations in Africa, have limited its ability to protect its interests in Syria, potentially marking the end of Russia's dominant role in the region since its 2015 intervention.
Follow our NewsNow feed for comprehensive coverage of the evolving Russia-Syria relationship, including updates on Russian military assets, diplomatic developments, and the broader implications for regional power dynamics. Our coverage draws from reliable local and international sources to keep you informed about this pivotal shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics.