The sinking of a Russian cargo ship that was sent to Syria to collect weapons was an "act of terrorism", the vessel's owner says.

The transfer marks the end of an era when Russia played an arguably oversized role in determining which countries could operate in Syria’s contested airspace.

Although Russia has managed to avoid an economic collapse, its war with Ukraine and military involvement in Syria have negatively affected its economy.

Losing Syrian military bases would hurt the Kremlin’s attempts to project power in the Middle East and Africa.

The rapid downfall of Syrian leader Bashar Assad has touched off a new round of delicate geopolitical maneuvering between Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

With Russia’s diminished influence in Syria, Ukraine calls on Israel to reconsider its stance and provide essential defensive weapons and technology.

Former CNN Moscow bureau chief Jill Dougherty says that Vladimir Putin spinning Russia’s withdrawal from Syria as a victory could be a preview of how he will frame any possible ceasefire with Ukraine.

The Tartous naval base is its only Mediterranean repair and resupply hub, and Hmeimim is a major staging post for military and mercenary activity in Africa.

It’s uncertain how much success Russia is having while negotiating with Syria’s dominant forces to retain its naval and air bases in the country. Kremlin’s ambitions in the Middle East and Africa might take a hit.

After the fall of the Assad regime, Russian cargo planes flew equipment from Syria to bases Moscow controls in eastern Libya, according to U.S. and Libyan officials.

Acting decisively now can undermine Russia’s and Iran’s positions in the Middle East and strengthen U.S. and European influence in the region.