RUSSIA KEEPS ITS SYRIAN BASES BUT NOW THEY ARE TRAINING CENTERS
Damascus and Moscow have reached a deal on the fate of Russia’s two strategic bases in Syria. After 18 months of negotiations, the Tartus naval base and Hmeimim air base will become joint training centers.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry announced the memorandum of understanding on August 9. Syria will take over civilian facilities, including Hmeimim Airport and the commercial pier at Tartus Port. Military facilities will be repurposed within three months
Russia is not leaving. It is rebranding.
Tartus is Russia’s only Mediterranean repair and resupply hub for warships. Hmeimim is the main transit point for Russian troops and mercenaries heading to Africa. Without these bases, Moscow’s power projection beyond its borders collapses.
The rebels who toppled Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 promised to kick Russia out. Instead, Moscow has worked steadily to win over Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The agreement preserves Russian interests while giving Damascus a face-saving formula.
Russia keeps its foothold. Syria keeps its Russian ally. The bases stay but in a new uniform.
If Russia can keep its bases after its ally fell, what does it take to actually push Moscow out. And who is really in control of Syria’s coast.