Putin blocks Syrian mercenaries from leaving Ukraine to support Assad regime — Center for National Resistance

Assad reportedly requested Putin’s permission to use Syrian mercenaries to defend his regime, but the Russian leader declined. The decision marks a significant shift, signaling Russia’s diminishing influence in Syria.

This was not the first time Putin has prioritized his own interests in Ukraine over those of his "allies", The NRC noted.

"Previously, the Russian dictator refused to support Armenia, citing the full deployment of combat-ready Russian units to serve the Kremlin’s aggressive policies in Ukraine," the statement said.

Assad's regime collapse and the withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria

Russia deployed its military forces to Syria in 2015 to help Assad’s regime regain control during a civil war that had already lasted four years. Russian airstrikes repeatedly targeted Syrian cities and civilians.

On Nov. 28, 2024, reports emerged that Syrian opposition forces launched a large-scale offensive, capturing town after town. Ultimately, Assad's regime collapsed, with the dictator fleeing Damascus with his family on the night of Dec. 8. According to Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Assad is now in Russia.

The Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) reported that Russian forces began abandoning major Syrian cities, leaving behind military bases with substantial arsenals. The Kremlin subsequently dismissed Sergey Kisel, commander of Russia's contingent in Syria.

On Dec. 8, HUR stated that the Russian military is withdrawing its forces from Syria following Assad's downfall. Russian ships are departing the Tartus naval base, while remaining weapons and equipment are being transported by air from the Khmeimim airbase.

On Dec. 9, CNN Türk reported, citing anonymous sources, that Russia requested Turkey’s support to ensure the safe withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria after Assad’s regime collapsed.