Putin dismisses Assad’s overthrow as Russia’s defeat

Russian President Vladimir Putin has downplayed the significance of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow, rejecting the notion that it marks a defeat for Russia.

Speaking on Russia’s intervention in Syria, Putin highlighted the country’s primary objective: preventing the establishment of a “terrorist enclave.”

“You mentioned Syria. You want to portray everything happening in Syria as some sort of defeat for Russia. I assure you, it is not. And I’ll tell you why: we went to Syria 10 years ago to prevent the creation of a terrorist enclave,” Putin said, emphasizing that Russia’s involvement had fulfilled its intended purpose.

Putin further claimed that Russia “did not fight” in Syria but successfully achieved its goals, adding, “It’s not for nothing that many European countries and the United States want to establish relations with them today. If they are terrorist organizations, why are you getting involved there? So, they changed.”

The Russian leader also confirmed he had yet to meet Assad, who fled to Moscow following recent advances by Syrian rebel forces. “I haven’t met President Assad since his arrival in Moscow. But I plan to do so and will definitely talk with him,” Putin revealed.

Earlier this month, Syrian rebel forces launched a major offensive, seizing control of Aleppo, the country’s largest city, and rapidly advancing into other territories. By December 8, Damascus fell, with rebels declaring the capital “free” from Assad’s rule. Assad fled to Russia amid the swift developments.

In response to the ongoing shifts in the region, Russia is reportedly relocating air defense systems from Syria to Libya, signaling a potential change in strategy.