The Kremlin today downplayed the importance of the fall of its Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad for Russian influence in the Middle East, saying Moscow was focusing on Ukraine and was in contact with the new authorities in Syria.

When Russia intervened in the Syrian civil war in 2015, it gave Assad a significant advantage, and his fall dealt a serious blow to both Moscow, which is waging a war in Ukraine, and Iran,
which in the whole east is in conflict with Israel, supported by the USA.

- Of course we are in contact with those who are currently managing the situation in Syria, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Asked how much the fall of Assad has weakened Russian influence in the region, Peskov said Moscow maintains contacts with all countries in the region and will continue to do so.

The priority for Moscow, Peskov said, is the war in Ukraine, which President Vladimir Putin calls a "special military operation."

- The special military operation is an absolute priority for our country: we must guarantee the interests of our security, the interests of our Russian people, and we will do that, said Peskov.

Moscow has supported Syria since the early days of the Cold War, recognizing its independence in 1944 when Damascus sought to free itself from French colonial rule.