Syria , by contrast , did not . Russia has maintained close ties with Syria since the 1950s . Syria one of few states that did not condemn USSR for occupying Russia . Russia revitalized their naval facilities in Baathists port of Tartus in the 1950s . Russia fears losing influence in its biggest al-Assad ally if the Middle East regime falls .
Russia has maintained close ties with Syria since the 1950s . Syria one of few states that did not condemn USSR for occupying Russia . Russia revitalized their naval facilities in Baathists port of Tartus in the 1950s . Russia fears losing influence in its biggest al-Assad ally if the Middle East regime falls .