Russia keeps military presence in Syria via joint training centers

Russia will maintain a military foothold in Syria through a new agreement that converts its key bases into joint training centers, a compromise reached after 18 months of negotiations. The Syrian foreign ministry announced the deal, which allows Moscow to salvage part of its presence while granting Damascus greater sovereignty.

The agreement signifies a shift from the previous arrangement where Russia held exclusive control over facilities like the Hmeimim air base and the Tartus port. Under the new terms, these installations will become Syrian state-managed entities, though Russia's air force will reportedly continue to use Hmeimim as a logistics hub for operations in Africa. The deal also opens avenues for Russia to continue influencing Syrian armed forces through joint training.

Syria expert Nanar Hawach of the International Crisis Group noted that the agreement formalizes Russia's reduced influence on the ground. Moscow had already seen its military capabilities in Syria diminish, with fewer air defense systems, no warships in the Mediterranean, and only a few hundred soldiers remaining. This new pact reflects those realities.

Despite Russia's historical role as a key ally to the ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad and its involvement in devastating airstrikes, the new Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has pursued this agreement. This move, while potentially angering many Syrians resentful of Russia's past actions, is seen as a pragmatic step by Damascus to navigate its complex geopolitical landscape and retain some level of cooperation with Moscow.