Russia discusses “reformatting” military facilities in Syria – Foreign Ministry
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Russia said on Wednesday that it is discussing with Syria a “possible reformatting” of its military facilities in the country, as cooperation between Moscow and Damascus continues to develop “very actively.”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that talks between the two sides include Russia’s military presence in Syria and potential changes to the function of its facilities.
“Russian-Syrian cooperation is developing very actively,” Zakharova said, adding that discussions are ongoing “within the framework of contacts with Syrian partners” regarding a possible reformatting of Russian military facilities.
The remarks come amid renewed questions over the future of Russia’s military footprint in Syria following the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, a long-time Russian ally.
The developments raised uncertainty about the status of Russia’s Khmeimim airbase in Latakia and its naval facility in Tartus, both of which form the backbone of Moscow’s military presence in the eastern Mediterranean.
However, Russia has since expanded contacts with Syria’s new leadership under President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who assumed power after Assad’s removal.
Zakharova also referred to reported discussions on establishing a logistics hub in Tartus to distribute Russian imports across Syria, though she did not provide further details.
Russia’s bases in Syria remain strategically significant, with Tartus serving as Moscow’s only Mediterranean naval repair and resupply hub, while Khmeimim functions as a key staging point for Russian military operations in Africa.
Russia intervened militarily in Syria in 2015 in support of Assad’s government during the civil war. Reports in 2024 indicated a partial Russian redeployment from frontlines in northern Syria and mountainous areas, while maintaining its main bases in Khmeimim and Tartus.
Moscow has maintained relations with Syria since the early Cold War period, formally recognizing its independence in 1944, as Damascus moved to end French colonial rule. The West historically viewed Syria as part of the Soviet sphere of influence.