⚔️ Russia Rebuilding Influence in Syria as Western Leverage Wanes, Washington Institute Warns

Nearly a year after the fall of Moscow-backed syrian/" class="auto-internal-link">syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, Russia is quietly rebuilding its strategic foothold in syria/" class="auto-internal-link">syria—threatening to close a rare window of opportunity for the West to reshape the regional balance of power, a Washington Institute report has stated. The Institute added that Moscow is once again using Syria as a long-term strategic lever against U. S. interests, offering “no strings attached” deals to damascus while Western governments hesitate to deploy their economic leverage. Notably, earlier this month, Russian leader Vladimir Putin hosted Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow for the first time since Assad’s ouster. Al-Sharaa, who led the offensive that toppled Assad, has pledged to honour previous agreements with Russia, including access to armed forces bases in Tartus and Khmeimim—ensuring Moscow’s persisted presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. as per the report, Russia remains Syria’s primary oil supplier and continues to print its currency.

With fewer restrictions on economic transactions, Moscow is well-positioned to deepen its influence through opaque business networks and energy cooperation. In September, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak led a delegation to Damascus, offering aid and inviting Russian energy firms to resume operations. Moreover, despite Syria’s overtures to the West, the report notes that Damascus still depends on Russia for armed forces equipment and diplomatic backing. Al-Sharaa has repeatedly emphasised the importance of maintaining ties with Moscow, revealing in a latest interview that his troops had entered secret negotiations with Russia during the final stages of the battle for Homs. While Russia refrained from direct involvement, Sharaa’s troops avoided targeting Russian assets—preserving Moscow’s strategic access.

Notably, the Washington Institute warns that failure to counter Russia’s expanding role in Syria could undermine U. S. Additionally, credibility with allies, weaken its position in Ukraine, and erode NATO’s southern flank. Moscow’s policy, it argues, was never about Assad or Syria itself, but about advancing a broader global challenge to American influence. Although Russia’s influence in Syria has diminished since Assad’s fall, the Kremlin is playing a long game—cultivating ties across Syria’s fragmented landscape, including with the Syrian Democratic Forces, Alawites, and Druze.

These relationships could be used to exacerbate ethnic tensions and keep Syria divided, making it more vulnerable to manipulation. The report urges Western governments to act swiftly, using economic leverage to offer viable alternatives to Russian backing. Syria needs a functioning economy—something Moscow cannot provide—and al-Sharaa is open to Western engagement. Without a coordinated response, Russia will continue to…