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The Russian military's continuing support for the Assad regime adds another layer to this complex scenario. Despite the challenges in Syria, Russia remains preoccupied with the war in Ukraine. However, the strategic importance of their naval base in Tartus cannot be overstated—it serves as a vital gateway for Russian military operations in the Mediterranean.
As rebel forces advance, they have also attempted to reach out to Russia for negotiations, possibly indicating a willingness to maintain some Russian presence in exchange for a cessation of support for the Assad government. Nevertheless, Moscow has thus far reaffirmed its backing of Syrian government forces, launching airstrikes to counter the latest rebel offensives.