Russian President Vladimir Putin made it clear that he does not view the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as a setback for Russia’s military presence in the region, which has been ongoing since 2015. During his annual question-and-answer session, broadcast on state television, Putin emphasized that the portrayal of events in Syria as a defeat for Russia is misguided. He stated, “They want to pass off the events in Syria as a defeat for Russia. I assure you, that is not the case.”
Explaining the rationale behind Russia’s involvement in Syria, Putin highlighted their primary objective of preventing the establishment of a terrorist stronghold in the region. He asserted, “We went to Syria to prevent the emergence of a terrorist enclave there. By and large, we achieved our goal. And the groups that were there have changed.”
Moreover, Putin expressed his perspective on the geopolitical implications of the situation in Syria, particularly in relation to Israel. He identified Israel as a major beneficiary of the developments in Syria, while also raising concerns about the potential disintegration of the country due to the occupation of Syrian territories. The president cautioned against the fragmentation of Syria, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its territorial integrity.
In his remarks, Putin drew attention to the security challenges faced by other regional actors, such as Israel and Turkey, who are grappling with their own domestic security issues amid the ongoing conflict in Syria. He underscored the interconnected nature of security concerns in the war-torn region, highlighting the shared complexities and risks faced by neighboring countries.
Notably, Putin extended support to Bashar al-Assad and his family by offering them asylum in Russia following the escalation of hostilities with Syrian rebel forces in December. This gesture underscored Russia’s commitment to standing by its allies and maintaining stability in the region amidst the volatile dynamics of the Syrian conflict.
Overall, Putin’s statements underscored Russia’s strategic objectives in Syria, its efforts to combat terrorism, and its role in shaping the political landscape of the region. By elucidating the motivations behind Russia’s military intervention and addressing the broader implications of the conflict, Putin sought to clarify Russia’s stance on the Syrian crisis and its enduring commitment to safeguarding its interests in the Middle East.
