Ukraine Provided Drones to Syrian Rebels Before Assad's Fall

Ukrainian intelligence reportedly sent drones and operators to aid Syrian rebels in a campaign that ended Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule, weakening Russia's regional influence.

• Ukrainian intelligence supplied 150 drones and 20 operators to Syrian rebels in Idlib about a month before their offensive toppled Bashar al-Assad's regime.
• The aid reportedly played a modest role in the swift two-week campaign led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham that culminated in Assad fleeing to Moscow on Sunday.
• Ukraine's actions are seen as part of a broader effort to undermine Russia by targeting its allies and military operations in the Middle East and Africa.
• The collapse of Assad's regime threatens Russia's military foothold in Syria, including its key Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base, which have strategic importance for projecting power.
• Satellite images indicate Russia has evacuated its naval base and reduced its airbase presence, while the Kremlin negotiates the withdrawal of its forces from Syria.

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