Russia will try to deflect - but the simple fact is their man in Damascus is now in Moscow
In Russia, any blame for Bashar al Assad's ousting has been placed firmly in the hands of Syria.
Tuesday 10 December 2024 00:05, UK
In Moscow there was an extraordinary sight.
It was the flag of the Syrian rebels, hoisted above the nation's embassy.
Extraordinary because this is the symbol of the very forces Russia has been trying to destroy for the best part of the last decade. And yet here it is, fluttering barely a kilometre from the Kremlin.
For Vladimir Putin, this will be humiliating. He is a man who likes to portray himself as a geopolitical genius, but the side he backed has lost, despite everything Russia did to keep the regime in place.
Syria latest - PM agrees to hand power to rebels
It could also be hugely damaging in terms of Moscow's regional influence.
Two military bases in Syria provide its foothold for exerting influence over the Middle East and Africa. Their fate remains unclear.
The Kremlin wouldn't comment on reports that a deal has been struck to guarantee the bases' safety. Instead, spokesman Dmitiry Peskov said it was "too early" to say whether Russia would keep them and added that the military is "taking precautions".
These comments suggest concern rather than confidence. Mr Peskov also acknowledged that events had taken Russia by surprise - a rare admission that it was caught on the hop.
But there's no talk of defeat on Russian state TV, and certainly no suggestion things didn't go to plan.
"Russia is not obliged to wage war for Syria," the anchor stated on Rossiya 1's 60 Minutes show.
On Sunday night's Vesti Nedeli, viewers were told that Russia's goal was "always" reconciliation - the implication being that it didn't care who won. That's certainly not how it seemed when it launched air strikes against the rebels.
Read more:
Who are the Syrian rebels?
With Assad gone there are fears a resurgent IS could fill the vacuum
The narrative is that Syria wasn't Russia's problem. Concerns are brushed off and consequences downplayed.
That's because in a militarised society like Russia's right now, a strategic defeat is not a good look.
Follow our channel and never miss an update
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Any blame, therefore, is put on Syria. On Sunday Evening with Solovyov, for example, presenter Vladimir Solovyov praised the Russian military, who he claimed had previously "ensured victory" for Bashar al Assad.
Ultimately, however, the mission failed. The simple fact is - their man in Damascus is now in Moscow.