Russia Secures Long-Term Military Presence in Syria Through New Training Agreement

Russia has achieved a significant strategic victory by securing the right to maintain its military presence at key bases in Syria under a new agreement expected to be signed soon between Moscow and Damascus. According to reports from Bloomberg and Reuters, the Russian military will continue operating from the major Syrian bases, including the naval facility at Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase, in exchange for training and assisting Syrian security forces. The Syrian Foreign Ministry confirmed that these bases will be transformed into joint training and certification centers within three months.

This agreement, which follows recent official Syrian statements about nearing a deal on Russia's military future in the country, establishes a long-term legal framework for Russia's presence and strengthens ties with President Ahmad al-Sharaa's government. A Russian source told Reuters that Russian forces will remain stationed at the new training centers, ensuring ongoing influence. The deal also allows Russia to continue using Tartus port and Khmeimim airbase for logistical support, including operations in Africa.

The agreement comes after Russia's intervention in Syria since 2015 and its support for the former regime of Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted by Islamist rebels in December 2024. Russia helped Assad escape to Moscow, where he was granted asylum. Notably, Assad was recently sentenced to death in Syria. Meanwhile, Russia announced plans to reopen its cultural center, the "Russian House," in Damascus following talks with Syrian officials.

Despite Putin's backing of Assad, President al-Sharaa has not demanded an immediate Russian withdrawal from the bases, even though Moscow had reduced its military footprint shortly after al-Sharaa's government took power. The Syrian government will manage civilian facilities at the bases, while Russia reorganizes its coastal presence to safeguard mutual interests. This arrangement marks a major success for Putin in maintaining Russia's strategic foothold in the Eastern Mediterranean region.