The escape of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad from Damascus was accompanied by conflicting reports of the disappearance of the IL-76T aircraft carrying Assad from radar. According to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, this could have been a deliberate signal blackout to conceal the evacuation operation carried out by Russia.
The Russian side, according to intelligence, spread disinformation about the alleged downing or crash of the plane to divert attention from the actual rescue of Assad and his inner circle. It is likely that the crew of the plane was acting on instructions from the Russians, flying under their direction.
The situation of the Russian contingent in Syria remains critical, the Defence Intelligence said. After losing control of Damascus, Russian troops are urgently removing the remaining weapons, equipment and personnel. Additional ships of the Baltic Fleet have been deployed for this purpose.
The evacuation of the Russian military leadership was particularly revealing. General Alexander Chayko, who had been in charge of the Russian troops in Syria for only a week, left the country after his predecessor, Sergei Kiselyov.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, these events demonstrate the catastrophic state of affairs in Syria. The loss of key positions and the hasty evacuation of the military and allies indicate the end of years of support for Assad, which has become another failure of the Kremlin in the international arena.