President Donald Trump previously announced his decision to reclassify Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism after the United States lifted its broad sanctions in 2025. Nevertheless, Russia remains committed to playing an important role in Syria. The Kremlin’s strategic interests have not changed and are likely to outlast President Vladimir Putin’s rule itself. The Kremlin seeks to maintain a foothold in the eastern Mediterranean, requiring military infrastructure to support its broader goals and extend its influence along NATO’s southern flank.
