I can’t deny that your thoughts are correct. There are some politics or at least perceived politics involved.
My belief stems from the fact that Russia is desperately in need of manufacturing exports that produce jobs and paying customers. It is this need that drives their current efforts. Given their negative direction jobs must be provided to persuade men to cease being alcoholics and women to cease aborting their children. The saving of Russia trumps the saving os Assad
Arms are the only real export manufacturing capability they have. Arms sales must be made. Petty rulers must be sold.
Now they have great rockets to hit Israel! Arm them with Sarin Gas and they can kill many thousands of people—all at Irans bidding. This should work out well.
I know you are correct about the Russian population. It makes sense that they maximize their arms sales. I haven’t heard about what happened to Assad’s rebuilt helicopters that were turned back.
I don’t see anything good for Russia in the future.