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For nearly ten years, Russian military support had been instrumental in maintaining Bashar al-Assad’s grip on power in Syria. However, in a surprising turn of events within the last 24 hours, Damascus has been captured, Assad ousted, and reportedly seeking refuge in Moscow.
Russian sources revealed that asylum has been granted to Assad and his family on humanitarian grounds. The unfolding of these rapid and dramatic developments has left the Kremlin unable to prevent the collapse of its Syria strategy.
The Russian foreign ministry expressed deep concern over the unfolding events.
The downfall of the Bashar al-Assad regime represents a significant blow to Russia’s international standing and ambitions. By deploying thousands of troops in 2015 to support Assad, Russia aimed to assert itself as a global power and challenge Western dominance.
President Putin’s visit to the Hmeimim air base in Syria in 2017 was seen as a symbol of mission accomplished. Despite controversies surrounding civilian casualties from Russian airstrikes, Moscow felt confident showcasing its military operations to the international media.
Bashar al-Assad seeking asylum in Moscow
The long-term leases granted to Russia for the air and naval bases in Syria were crucial for its strategic presence in the Mediterranean and Africa.
The announcement of Assad seeking asylum in Moscow also highlighted Russian officials’ engagement with the Syrian armed opposition. State TV assured the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic missions in Syria by opposition leaders.
The Russian foreign ministry placed the bases on high alert but downplayed immediate threats. Assad’s fall poses a challenge for Russia, as he was a key ally in the region.
Russian authorities are attempting to manage the narrative, even pointing fingers at the Syrian army on state TV for perceived failures in defending against rebels. The emphasis on Russia’s security interests, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine, suggests a shift in priorities for the Russian public.
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