Russia’s military intervention in the Syrian civil war, once touted as a success story of its return to global power status, has turned into a major setback for President Vladimir Putin. The fall of the Assad government, a key ally of Moscow, marks a significant blow to Russia’s great-power ambitions.
Moscow had leveraged its influence in Syria to expand its reach throughout the Middle East and beyond. However, with the collapse of Assad’s government, Russia now faces the daunting task of protecting its military assets on two fronts – Ukraine and Syria.
Experts say that losing Syria would be a huge slap in the face for Putin, as it undermines his claim of being a great power capable of projecting influence abroad. The Syrian air base in Hmeimim and naval base in Tartus are crucial to Russia’s military presence in the region.
The loss of these assets could have severe consequences for Russia, including losing access to the Mediterranean Sea. Experts warn that Moscow would face significant challenges in regaining territory in Ukraine, which it lost to Ukraine and is now relying on North Korean troops to help.
Aaron Zelin, senior fellow at the Washington Institute, notes that Russia lacks the firepower to protect its assets in Syria, citing the ongoing war in Ukraine as a major distraction. The loss of the Tartus naval base would be an “extremely huge loss for Russia,” as it is Moscow’s only warm-water port and key to power projection.
The fall of Assad marks a significant reputational hit for Russia, with experts warning that other regions such as Latin America and Africa might start rethinking their ties with Moscow. The situation highlights the risks and challenges facing Russia’s military ambitions in the region.
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-syria-assad-ukraine/33229577.html