There are many "black swans." An expert explains the potential threats to Putin posed by a possible collapse of Assad's regime.

The defeat of Bashar Assad's regime in Syria could deal a painful blow to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. In particular, he would lose the ability to influence oil prices.

This was stated by political expert Taras Zahorodny in a comment to the YouTube channel RBC-Ukraine.

According to him, if Assad loses, Qatar could construct a gas pipeline through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey to Europe, allowing European countries to reduce their dependence on Russian gas.

Zahorodny also specified that a change in power in Syria would result in Russia losing its only base in the Mediterranean Sea located in Tartus, which dates back to the Soviet era.

"And on a personal note - Putin fought for Assad to demonstrate to everyone that leaders cannot be changed," the expert believes.

He also pointed out that if Assad loses, Russia will lose its leverage in the Middle East.

"Because since the time of the Soviet Union, they have always wanted to be a player in the Middle East. Why? There is instability in the Middle East, oil prices rise, profits increase. No instability, incomes drop, and the USSR suffers. The same goes for Russia," Zahorodny explained.

He emphasized that Russia does not want to "exit" Syria, but it lacks the resources to remain there.

"Therefore, they currently have problems with Georgia, issues in Syria, and also Ukraine. There are actually many 'black swans', but few resources to manage them," the expert added.

War in Syria

Recall that last week, clashes resumed in Syria between rebels and Assad's regime, which is supported by Russia and Iran.

According to GUR, Russian soldiers have left the Syrian city of Hama and are fleeing from Damascus.

For more details on the situation in Syria, see the material from RBC-Ukraine.