Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the fall of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad does not constitute a “defeat” for Russia, claiming that Moscow has successfully achieved its objectives in the country. Assad fled to Moscow earlier this month after a surprise rebel offensive ended over 50 years of rule by the Assad family, a period marked by widespread repression, human rights abuses, and civil war. His departure came more than 13 years after his violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests sparked a brutal civil war.
At his annual end-of-year press conference, Putin responded to a question from an American journalist, saying, “You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia. I assure you it is not.” He emphasized that Russia’s involvement in Syria, which began in 2015, was aimed at preventing the creation of a terrorist enclave similar to Afghanistan. “On the whole, we have achieved our goal,” Putin asserted.
Although he has not yet met with Assad since his arrival in Moscow, Putin stated he plans to meet with the Syrian leader soon. “I haven’t yet seen President Assad since his arrival in Moscow, but I plan to, I will definitely speak with him,” he said.
Putin’s remarks came as he publicly addressed the situation in Syria for the first time since Assad’s downfall. Moscow is focused on securing the future of its two key military bases in Syria: the Tartus naval base and the Hmeimim airbase, Russia’s only military outposts outside the former Soviet Union, which have played crucial roles in Russia’s activities across the Middle East and Africa.
Putin revealed that there is broad regional support for Russia’s military presence, stating, “We maintain contacts with all those who control the situation there, with all the countries of the region. An overwhelming majority of them say they are interested in our military bases staying there.”
In addition, Putin disclosed that Russia had evacuated 4,000 Iranian soldiers from Syria at Tehran’s request.
