Kremlin spokesperson: Russia in talks with Syria's new leadership

Russia has not yet made a final decision on the future of its military bases in Syria, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Peskov confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Syria's new leadership regarding the matter, adding that the situation remains fluid, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"There are currently no final decisions on this issue," Peskov told reporters.

The Kremlin representative also highlighted that Moscow continues to engage with "representatives of the forces currently in control of the situation in Syria," stressing that any decision will be reached through dialogue.

The future of Russia's military bases in Syria, including the strategic Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval facility, has become uncertain following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The Assad family, which has maintained a close alliance with Moscow for decades, had solidified Russia’s military foothold in the region, but recent developments are raising questions about Russia's long-term presence.

Satellite images from December 13 showed two Antonov AN-124 cargo planes at the Hmeimim base, apparently preparing to load supplies. A Syrian security official confirmed that at least one plane departed for Libya on December 14. 

Russian sources disclosed that Moscow was withdrawing some forces and heavy equipment, though it was not pulling out of its key bases. Discussions with the new Syrian administration over the future of these installations are ongoing, but there is no indication of a complete withdrawal.

The Tartus naval base, a critical part of Russia's Mediterranean operations, and Hmeimim, a hub for military activities in Africa, are vital to Russia’s global military strategy. Both bases have been operational since the Cold War, with Tartus having been leased to Russia for 49 years in 2017.

Despite recent troop movements, including a Russian convoy on the highway between the two bases, Russian soldiers at the Hmeimim base appeared to continue their operations as usual.

By Aghakazim Guliyev