In May 2016, Vladimir Putin celebrated Russia’s military success in Syria with a concert in Palmyra, highlighting Russia’s influence in the Middle East. However, following a rapid militant-led offensive that ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russian media downplayed the events and Russia’s role in Syria. Major Russian outlets focused on other topics, and officials, including Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, remained silent on Assad’s ouster, despite Russia’s significant involvement in Syria over the past decade.