Russian President Vladimir Putin has finally broken his silence on the setback in Syria after Kremlin-backed Bashar al-Assad's regime was toppled by rebels, stating that Assad's forces abandoned their posts without resisting, which explains the speed of the defeat.
The Russian President said during the end-of-the-year live event that the collapse of the regime was not a defeat for Russia.
"You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia," Putin said. "I assure you it is not… we have achieved our goals."
Assad's fall is not a defeat for Russia. And I'll tell you why... – Putin pic.twitter.com/pyGmQRyLhE
— RT (@RT_com) December 19, 2024
On Syria's ousted President Bashar al-Assad, the Russian President said: "I’ve not seen President Assad after his arrival in Moscow, but I’m planning to do it. I will definitely talk to him." This is Putin's first comment about Assad since the former dictator fled to Moscow with his family.
On whether he would ask Assad for information about people who were still missing in Syria, Putin reiterated that he hasn't met Assad yet. "I will have a conversation with him. We're adults. We understand," he added.
He was also asked about US journalist Austin Tice - who went missing in Syria back in 2012. Tice's mother had recently said that she was ready to come to Moscow. To this, Putin promised he would ask Assad if he knew what happened to Austin Tice. "We also can pose the question to people who control the situation on the ground in Syria," Putin says.
On Russia's military bases in Syria, Putin said they are talking to partners on the ground. Russia will keep control of the bases which will be used to distribute humanitarian aid.
However, reports claim that despite Putin's statement, Russia could be withdrawing from its bases in Syria, at least partially. There is a large movement of military vehicles at a Russian-controlled port and airbase in western Syria. Transport aircraft also appear to have arrived and departed the country in recent days, according to the BBC.
