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Spasskaya Bashnya (Saviour Tower) on the eastern wall of the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia in December 2024. Photo: Rudaw/screengrab
MOSCOW - Russians in the capital city of Moscow expressed mixed views on the downfall of Bashar al-Assad's regime on Sunday, with some believing Russia may lose its influence in the Middle East unless it wants to embrace new realities on the ground.
"Russia may lose its influence in the Middle East. It's true that Russia wanted to support the Syrian government. But as it's clear, it's been a while since our state has been busy with war in Ukraine." said Alyona Panteleyeva, a teacher from Moscow.
The 50-year rule of the Assad family collapsed on Sunday following a rapid rebellion by Syrian militia groups, spearheaded by the jihadist Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), last month. They ousted Assad in the early hours of Sunday.
"It's embarrassing how much effort has been put in place since 2015. How many people were killed, how many Russian soldiers were killed… it benefited nobody," said Andrey Kropotkîn, a Moscow-based journalist.
Russia launched a military intervention in Syria in 2015 at Assad’s request, initially to "solely" focus on the "terrorist" groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS).
However, the focus of the intervention quickly shifted to mainly crush rebel groups that gained ground following an uprising against the Baathist regime in 2011.
While there is no certain future for Russia in Syria, some believe it should maintain influence in the region, despite recent developments.
"Russia should continue seeking conditions and opportunities because we have interests there as well as two [military] bases. We have to support our allies based on the opportunities," said Panteleyeva.
The ousted Syrian president and his family have been granted asylum in Russia after he fled the country following the takeover of Damascus, Russian state media announced on Sunday. The Kremlin said on Monday that the asylum was granted by President Vladimir Putin.
The country continues to grapple with instability and insecurity, as recent escalations have displaced thousands.
Hundreds of people have been killed and millions displaced since the start of the civil war.
"Russia may lose its influence in the Middle East. It's true that Russia wanted to support the Syrian government. But as it's clear, it's been a while since our state has been busy with war in Ukraine." said Alyona Panteleyeva, a teacher from Moscow.
The 50-year rule of the Assad family collapsed on Sunday following a rapid rebellion by Syrian militia groups, spearheaded by the jihadist Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), last month. They ousted Assad in the early hours of Sunday.
"It's embarrassing how much effort has been put in place since 2015. How many people were killed, how many Russian soldiers were killed… it benefited nobody," said Andrey Kropotkîn, a Moscow-based journalist.
Russia launched a military intervention in Syria in 2015 at Assad’s request, initially to "solely" focus on the "terrorist" groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS).
However, the focus of the intervention quickly shifted to mainly crush rebel groups that gained ground following an uprising against the Baathist regime in 2011.
While there is no certain future for Russia in Syria, some believe it should maintain influence in the region, despite recent developments.
"Russia should continue seeking conditions and opportunities because we have interests there as well as two [military] bases. We have to support our allies based on the opportunities," said Panteleyeva.
The ousted Syrian president and his family have been granted asylum in Russia after he fled the country following the takeover of Damascus, Russian state media announced on Sunday. The Kremlin said on Monday that the asylum was granted by President Vladimir Putin.
The country continues to grapple with instability and insecurity, as recent escalations have displaced thousands.
Hundreds of people have been killed and millions displaced since the start of the civil war.
Rekar Aziz contributed to this article.
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