Russia’s economic footprint in Syria is receding. With Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death, control over his Syria-linked ventures, Velada, Mercury, Kapital, and other Wagner-affiliated entities, such as Sanad, became administratively easier.
More importantly, as the post-Assad transition unfolds, Damascus has begun reclaiming assets once managed by Russian oligarchs. Gennady Timchenko’s STG Group, the most powerful Russian businessman in Syria by far, operating parts of Tartus Port, phosphate fields, and the Homs Petrochemicals Plant, has reportedly had its contracts suspended. The Homs Plant has just resumed production under state management.
This interactive tool and report, produced with Mohamad Orwani and Traci Lawrence, titled “Mapping Russia’s Economic Involvement in Syria (2011–2023)”, traces the over 300 entities and individuals involved in the Syrian economy right before Assad’s downfall. Updating the network is in progress.
Explore the tool here.