Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was not a defeat for Russia, insisting that Moscow had fulfilled its objectives in Syria.
Assad, who fled to Moscow earlier this month after rebels made significant advances, had ruled Syria for over 50 years, marked by repression and accusations of extensive human rights abuses and civil war. His departure followed the outbreak of civil war in 2011 after his violent response to pro-democracy protests.
Putin, speaking at his annual year-end press conference, rejected claims that Russia’s involvement in Syria had ended in failure. “You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia. I assure you, it is not,” he said in response to a question from an American journalist. “We entered Syria ten years ago to prevent the creation of a terrorist enclave like the one in Afghanistan, and overall, we have achieved our goal.”
Although Putin had not yet met with Assad since his arrival in Moscow, he confirmed plans to do so soon. “I have not yet seen President Assad since he arrived in Moscow, but I plan to speak with him soon,” he remarked.
This statement was Putinโs first public comment on the Syrian situation since Assadโs fall. Russia has a strategic interest in securing its military bases in Syria, including the Tartus naval base and Hmeimim air base, which are its only military outposts outside the former Soviet Union. These bases are vital to Russia’s activities in the Middle East and Africa.
Putin emphasized that many regional stakeholders have expressed support for Russia maintaining these bases. “We maintain contact with all parties controlling the situation in Syria, and the majority of regional countries are interested in our continued presence,” he said.
Additionally, Putin mentioned that Russia had helped evacuate 4,000 Iranian soldiers from Syria at Tehran’s request.
