Russian President Putin expresses concern over Israeli military presence in Syria, denies Moscow's weakening after Assad's fall

Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time on Thursday publicly addressed the recent collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. Both Russia and Iran backed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad during the uprising in the country in 2015.

Putin shared his concerns about Israel's military control of the buffer zone between Israel and Syria following the collapse of the Syrian Armed Forces.

"Russia condemns the seizure of any Syrian territories. This is obvious," Putin said.

The Israeli government ordered the Israeli military to seize the strategically important border buffer zone out of concerns that anti-Israel jihadists would enter the area and threaten Israeli border communities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that the IDF's presence in Syria is temporary and for purposes of Israel's defense and security. However, Putin believes the Israeli troops will stay inside Syria for the foreseeable future.

"I have the impression that not only are they not going to leave, but they are going to reinforce there," Putin claimed, adding that Israel has reached Soviet-built fortifications located some 25 km (16 miles) inside Syria.

The Russian leader said he understands Turkey’s decision to combat Kurdish rebels in Syria, whom the Turkish government considers terrorists.

"We all understand this. There will be many problems. But we are on the side of international law and for the sovereignty of all countries, while respecting their territorial integrity, meaning Syria," Putin stated.

He denied that Moscow’s backing of the former Assad regime was a failure. Russia’s main interest in Syria is to secure its two main military bases, which offer Russia direct access to the Mediterranean Sea. Putin claimed that Russia is currently engaged in dialogue with Syrian rebels, who, according to him, support the preservation of Russia’s military assets in Syria.

Turning to Russia’s tense relations with the United States due to the war in Ukraine, Putin said Russia is ready to embrace compromises and hopes that relations will improve under President-elect Donald Trump.

"We have always said that we are ready for negotiations and compromises," Putin stated.

"Soon, those Ukrainians who want to fight will run out, in my opinion, soon there will be no one left who wants to fight. We are ready, but the other side needs to be ready for both negotiations and compromises," he added.

While initially rivals in Syria, Russia and Iran have formed a close military alliance since the Ukraine war began in 2022 amid international boycotts against both countries. The Iranian regime has provided Russia with drones that have been used against Ukraine. In return, Moscow has provided Tehran with advanced military equipment, including Russia's aerial defense systems.