It’s conceivable that Moscow will continue to maintain a smaller force in Syrian waters and soils. Following the overthrow of the Assad administration, Russian President is using the opportunity to accomplish a major goal. During the years of civil war in Syria, Putin was a key military and political ally of the Assad regime.
Local anonymous sources say Russia is nearing an agreement with the newly installed Syrian administration. It may be able to keep certain employees and military assets in the nation thanks to the agreement.
Russia wants to retain the air and naval sites it utilized in Syria under the previous government, according to one source. After the HTS led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the situation for Russian soldiers changed.
There is no assurance that a compromise will be reached from the ongoing negotiations. Nonetheless, a phone conversation between the leaders of the two nations indicates that the pace of change is increasing. The talk that took place on Wednesday were unprecedented.
In process of a few weeks, a final agreement would be Russia’s second significant diplomatic triumph. The United States had previously stated that it will begin peace negotiations with Russia to settle the conflict in Ukraine.
It also indicates that Russia is strengthening ties with Syria’s new leaders. Russia’s steadfast assistance allowed their bitter adversary, Assad, to get through the Syrian civil war. Right now, Moscow is providing refuge to Bashar al-Assad and his family.
Russia Serves Syria
Moscow may help against ISIS, still operating in eastern Syria. Additionally, Russia’s ongoing involvement inside Syria may assist the country’s government in balancing Turkey’s growing power. The withdrawal of Russian military from Syria was highly desired by many European authorities. Others were concerned that if Moscow withdrew its air and naval facilities in Syria, it may turn its attention back to Libya.
Moscow has been able to exert influence in both the Middle East and Africa because of its military installations. The Putin administration would suffer a serious blow if they lost them.
A number of nations have been vying for clout in Syria since the overthrow of former administration. Russia, the former leader’s primary supporter, has seen its influence diminished. However, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey have all established close relations with al-Sharaa.
Ankara is thinking about establishing military outposts in the area and is aiding friendly troops in the northern regions. Rehabilitation of the war-torn nation is probably going to be partially funded by Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
On the other hand, Israel is suspicious of the Syrian administration due to its Islamist origins. It is eager to maintain its forces outside of the disarmed buffer zone that separates the two nations.
Last month, Moscow’s attempts to negotiate with al-Sharaa to keep Tartus and Hmeimim air base failed. Tartus is the only Russian base in the Mediterranean region. Putin responded by indicating that he would be willing to help rebuild Syria.
Putin informed al-Sharaa over their call this past weekend that he was prepared to offer assistance and support for vital trade. To address a cash shortfall, Syria’s central bank received new local currency from Moscow a few days later.
