Following the fall of the Assad regime Russia is apparently withdrawing aircraft and troops from Syria. It is still unclear what will happen to the Russian naval base in Tartus and air base in Hmeimim/Latakia, however. Commentators stress the relevance for the war in Ukraine.
Open/close all quotes
Bad news
The Russian war equipment from Syria will soon become a problem for the Ukrainian army, LB.ua analyses:
“Today what remains of the Russian contingent in Syria is being transferred to Tartus and Latakia and is waiting to be evacuated. … The arrival of the ‘Syrians’ [Russian Syrian fighters] at the front in Ukraine is expected within one and a half to two months. The number of infantrymen that will appear on our soil should be comparable to the enemy’s daily losses, so this will hardly change anything, but air defence, communications equipment, aircraft, armoured vehicles (though not that many) – that’s bad news.”
Coastal bases a bitter loss for Moscow
The bases on the Syrian coast are of great military importance to Russia, news.bg emphasises:
“These military bases are crucial as a counterweight to Nato’s southern flank in the Mediterranean. Their importance has increased even further in the context of the war with Ukraine, since Turkey has closed the Bosporus to Russian warships and Kyiv has inflicted damage on the Russian Black Sea fleet. Maintaining the bases in Tartus and Hmeimim [near Latakia] is the main reason why the Kremlin established contacts with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.”
Full military support
Assad’s fall has exposed Russia’s weakness, and the West must strike while the iron is hot, Berlingske urges:
“Now, in the aftermath of Assad’s defeat in Syria and the last days before Trump takes office as president on 20 January – there is a unique opportunity to give Ukraine such a strong hand that it at least has a much better negotiating position in peace talks and can hopefully secure the victory over Russia that all democratically-minded countries must hope for. … The West should stand united, forget all talk of peace negotiations on Russia’s terms and instead give Ukraine every bullet and every euro it needs to regain its freedom.”