Syria and Russia have reached an agreement on what to do with the two important bases.

Syria and Russia have reached an agreement regarding the future of two key Russian military bases within Syrian territory, according to reports from the Syrian state news agency SANA. The deal outlines a transition in the management of the air base at Hmeimim and the naval base at Tartus, with Syria assuming control over civilian infrastructure while military facilities will be transformed into joint training centers under new arrangements. The agreement marks a significant shift in the strategic relationship between the two nations following years of conflict and political upheaval. The agreement comes after approximately 18 months of negotiations between Syria and Russia. According to SANA, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at restructuring Russia’s military presence in western Syria. Under the terms of the agreement, Syria will take over the administration of civilian assets, including the Hmeimim airbase and a fourth commercial berth at the Tartus port, integrating them gradually into the country's civilian administrative system. Military installations and facilities will be repurposed into shared training hubs designed to preserve mutual interests between the two countries. Russia has maintained its military presence in Syria since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. Despite the collapse of Assad’s government, Russian forces remained stationed at Hmeimim and Tartus, which had long served as critical pillars of Moscow’s influence in the region. The new arrangement reflects a recalibration of power dynamics following the end of the 14-year civil war and the establishment of a new government led by Prime Minister Ahmed al-Shara. This government has sought cooperation with Moscow despite past tensions, including repeated requests for the extradition of individuals accused of wartime crimes. The agreement has been described by Syrian officials as the “most significant developmental step” since the beginning of negotiations, signaling a potential new phase in bilateral relations. However, the relationship between Damascus and Moscow has historically been complex. During the civil war, Russia was a key ally of Assad, providing military support and offering asylum to him after his regime collapsed. Since the formation of the new government, Syria has repeatedly called for Russia’s involvement in addressing outstanding legal issues related to alleged war crimes committed during the conflict. The transformation of Hmeimim and Tartus represents a broader effort to redefine the role of foreign military presences in Syria. While the civilian aspects of these bases will come under Syrian control, their military components will remain operational but under a framework that emphasizes collaboration rather than unilateral dominance. This includes the integration of military training programs and infrastructure maintenance efforts, ensuring continued access for both nations while aligning with Syria’s national security priorities. The agreement follows a period of uncertainty regarding the future of Russian military operations in Syria. With the dissolution of Assad’s regime and the rise of a new leadership, questions arose about whether Russia would maintain its strategic foothold in the region. The new arrangement appears to confirm that Russia will retain a military presence, albeit in a more cooperative and less overtly dominant capacity. This shift could pave the way for further diplomatic engagement and economic partnerships between the two countries, particularly in sectors such as energy and infrastructure development. The implementation of the agreement will involve a phased approach, with the transition of civilian assets expected to occur incrementally over time. Meanwhile, the military facilities will undergo restructuring to function as joint training centers. These changes are likely to be monitored closely by both domestic and international actors, given the geopolitical significance of Syria’s strategic location and the historical ties between Moscow and Damascus. The success of this transition will depend on the ability of both sides to uphold the terms of the agreement and address any emerging challenges collaboratively.