Seven years ago, Putin declared victory in Syria, supporting Assad amid civil war. Recently, Assad fled to Moscow as rebels advanced, revealing limits to Russia’s power and affecting its international influence, especially during its Ukraine conflict. Historically, Russia, a longtime ally of Syria, intervened militarily in 2015 to support Assad, deploying warplanes and military advisers, and upgrading its naval base in Tartus. Despite these efforts, Russia and Iran couldn’t prevent Assad’s recent downfall, highlighting challenges in maintaining regional influence.