Vladimir Putin’s decision to intervene in Syria in late September was undoubtedly one of the most important events in global politics this year. Involvement in a conflict outside the former Soviet Union means that the Russia is taking a shot at regional leadership, if not at contesting the global role of the U.S. altogether. Now in Syria, there is no going back for Moscow. While it is not entirely clear for how long Russia can sustain its military campaign at the present level, it will need to act accordingly to its newly stated geopolitical ambitions.