A major achievement for Putin: Russia to maintain military presence at Syrian bases
Moscow and Damascus are set to sign an agreement allowing Russia to retain access to its military bases in exchange for training Syrian security forces. This development comes amid the sentencing of Bashar al-Assad to death.
According to reports, Russia will be able to maintain its military presence at major bases in Syria. In return, the Russian army will train the Syrian army and assist in preparing the forces of the Ahmad Al-Shara government. The Syrian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that these bases will be converted into joint training centers. Simultaneously, Russia announced the reopening of the Russian Cultural Center in Damascus.
Russia has secured a significant achievement by maintaining its military footprint through a new agreement expected to be signed with the government of Ahmad Al-Shara. As reported by Bloomberg and Reuters, Russian forces are set to remain in the country, with the Russian military taking on the role of training Syrian security forces. Despite earlier assessments suggesting a potential withdrawal, the situation has shifted in favor of continued Russian presence.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Russian Navy will retain access to the port of Tartus, while the Russian Ministry of Defense will continue to utilize the Hmeimim airfield as a logistics hub for operations, including those in Africa. The agreement establishes a long-term legal framework for the Russian presence and strengthens ties with the Al-Shara administration. Sources indicate that Russian involvement in training Syria's new armed forces will help build trust between Moscow and Damascus.
Maintaining these bases is a key strategic victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sought to preserve a foothold in the Mediterranean following the ousting of his ally Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. While Russia granted Assad asylum in Moscow, a court in Syria yesterday handed down a death sentence for the former president and several of his associates.
Tartus remains Russia's only naval base in the Mediterranean, with a presence dating back to 1983. The Hmeimim airbase, established in 2015, will also continue operations. The Syrian Foreign Ministry stated that the facilities are expected to become joint training and certification centers within three months. Damascus will manage civilian infrastructure at both sites, while the Russian presence will undergo reorganization to align with the interests of both nations.
