Syria says reached deal with Moscow on fate of Russian bases

Damascus announced on Sunday a deal with Moscow concerning the future of Russia's two military bases in Syria. The foreign ministry cited Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base as the affected facilities, which are Russia's only two bases outside the former Soviet Union. According to SANA news agency, these bases will be transformed into "joint training and capacity-building centers" under new arrangements that respect mutual interests.

The memorandum of understanding concluded a year and a half of talks, stipulating a maximum of three months to finalize the process. Civilian facilities at both bases will be transferred to Damascus' control. Russia, a key ally of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the 13-year civil war, has provided crucial military support that sustained Assad's forces.

With Assad's removal in 2024, Moscow's regional influence suffered a significant setback. President Vladimir Putin has been striving to establish ties with the new Islamist authorities in Damascus to ensure the bases' continued operation. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani inspected the sites on Sunday to confirm the agreement's terms.

Syria has shown a willingness to collaborate with Russia, and President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Putin twice since assuming office. However, Damascus has persistently demanded Russia's extradition of Assad, who has been living in Moscow with his wife since fleeing power. Earlier this year, the Kremlin withdrew its forces from Qamishli airport in northeastern Syria.