Strategic blow for Moscow as Trump moves closer to Syrian regime Russia was a key Assad ally during the 13-year conflict, helping to keep the former leader in power, and his ouster in 2024 dealt a major blow to its influence in the region. Key points and original sources are listed below.

• Strategic blow for Moscow as Trump moves closer to Syrian regimeS1

• Russia was a key Assad ally during the 13-year conflict, helping to keep the former leader in power, and his ouster in 2024 dealt a major blow to its influence in the region.S2