Russia's Historical Quest for Access to the Mediterranean
Historically, Russia has faced challenges due to its lack of direct access to major international waters, such as the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
Russia's Great-Power-Centric Approach
Since the 2000s, Russia, under President Vladimir Putin's leadership, has adopted a great-power-centric approach in its foreign policy strategy.
Russia's Deepening Engagement in the Middle East
Starting from 2005, Russia has significantly increased its engagement in the Middle East, strengthening ties with countries like Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye.
Russia's Strategic Focus on Syria
During the Arab Spring, Russia's strategic focus on Syria intensified due to historical ties and mutual interests between Moscow and Damascus.
Russia's Military Intervention in Syria
In 2015, Russia initiated a military intervention in Syria to secure its foothold in the region and access to the Mediterranean.
Russia's Political and Military Presence in Syria
Russia established naval and air bases in Tartus and Hmeimim, supporting the Syrian regime through military operations and the Wagner private military company.
Challenges and Unforeseen Developments
Efforts to establish stability in Syria, such as the Astana talks and U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254, have not yielded significant outcomes.
Current Dynamics and Future Prospects
As of November 27, Russia's strategy in Syria faces challenges amid the Ukraine war, leading to a potential shift in focus towards Libya for access to international waters.
