Russia may be withdrawing from Syria, including the removal of its ships, aircraft, and deployed military personnel. Yesterday, the Russian Embassy in Syria advised all Russian citizens to leave the country. This information was reported by Ruth Sherlock, NPR's correspondent specializing in Syria, Iraq, and the Middle East.

The reason for this is Putin's inability to actively support what remains of Assad's forces. With Russia fully focused on Ukraine, Hezbollah in Lebanon severely weakened by Israel, and Iran preoccupied with its own internal issues, Assad has lost support and now stands alone against jihadists and rebels, some of whom are directly backed by Turkey under Erdogan.