In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implications of Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine on its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad amid renewed fighting in Syria. A key point raised was that Assad's primary allies—Russia, Hezbollah, and Iran—are currently preoccupied with their own challenges, which may have weakened their backing for the Syrian regime. This distraction has reportedly allowed the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group to capitalize on the situation, leading to increased offensives.

Officials emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation in Syria and the protection of civilians. They highlighted the importance of advancing a political process based on United Nations Security Council resolutions to bring an end to the ongoing civil war. The lack of meaningful engagement from Assad in political negotiations was noted as a significant factor contributing to the recent gains made by HTS.

Moreover, the meeting underscored the United States' enduring security interests in Syria, particularly the prevention of a resurgence of ISIS. The officials recalled the successful efforts of previous administrations to dismantle ISIS's territorial claims, stressing the importance of maintaining stability in the region to avoid a revival of extremist threats.