In brief
As the Syrian civil war enters a new phase post-Assad, numerous Syrians, especially rebels, regard Russia as an enemy responsible for their suffering. While civilians like Ahmed Taha voice strong resentment against Russian involvement, interim leaders hint at maintaining some form of cooperation with Moscow, complicating the vision of a future free from foreign influence.
After years of collaboration, the relationship between Syria and Russia is now under scrutiny, with many Syrians longing for Russian forces to depart. Ahmed Taha, a rebel commander in Douma, openly condemns Russia, viewing its actions as aligned with the oppressive Assad regime. Douma, once thriving, now remains in ruins as a result of the protracted conflict, bearing the scars of Russian military engagement since 2015.Moscow leveraged its intervention to gain strategic military footholds along the Mediterranean. Despite initial support, Assad’s regime faltered, leading many to perceive Russia as complicit in their suffering. "Russia's crimes here were indescribable," Taha asserts, embodying a growing sentiment among citizens and fighters who view Russian actions as devastating rather than protective.The United Nations and various human rights organizations have repeatedly accused both Russian and Syrian forces of war crimes amid relentless airstrikes in civilian-populated areas. Reports from 2016 highlight widespread devastation, with entire neighborhoods, particularly in Aleppo and Douma, laid to waste. Rebels like Taha have been forced to negotiate surrenders after drawn-out sieges, fueling anger towards the Kremlin.Now, the future relationship between Syria and Russia appears uncertain. While interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa expresses a willingness to maintain strategic ties with Moscow, calls for Russian withdrawal persist. Some community leaders, including those from Syria's Christian population, share sentiments of betrayal, stating that Russia prioritized its interests over local protection.Meanwhile, the challenge lies in restructuring Syria's military capabilities without depending on Russian supplies, an effort that experts warn could prove difficult due to historical reliance on Russian military support. With discussions of reconstruction and humanitarian aid circulating, the dynamics between Syria and Russia remain complex, posing a challenge to those seeking genuine independence from past alliances.
