Russia and Syria’s new administration signed a memorandum of understanding on a new arrangement involving the country’s military and civilian structures. The agreement calls for Russia’s presence in Syria to be reshaped.
Under the plan, Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at Tartus Port will be transferred to Syria’s civilian administration. The facilities are expected to be gradually incorporated into the country’s civilian structure.
Russian military facilities to become joint centers
The parties also reconsidered the functions of facilities currently used for military purposes. Russian military bases are planned to be converted into joint training centers in line with the interests of both countries.
The arrangements are expected to take effect after the completion of a transition period that will not exceed three months.
A new phase for the future of Russian bases
Russia intervened militarily in Syria at the request of the Bashar Assad regime, which was overthrown in 2015, and established military bases in Hmeimim and Tartus.
Hundreds of airstrikes were carried out from these bases during the Syrian civil war. After the Assad regime was overthrown in December 2024, Moscow and Syria’s new administration began talks on the future of the Russian bases.