Russia and Syria are aiming to bolster their inter-country ties - Russia seeks to reinforce partnership with Syria
In the heart of the Middle East, Russia continues to operate naval and air bases in Tartus and Hmeimim, Syria. These strategic locations have been key to Russia's regional security strategy and humanitarian assistance efforts since 2015 [1][3].
The bases, which are the only official military bases outside the former Soviet Union, have been instrumental in Russia's involvement in the Syrian conflict. They have served as launchpads for heavy airstrikes against jihadists [3]. However, their presence in Syria raises complex challenges.
Syria's new interim leadership, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad last year, has taken a pragmatic approach towards maintaining close relations with Russia. This includes cooperation on defense and regional stability [3][4]. Russian officials have expressed their readiness to assist Syria in post-conflict rebuilding and support the country’s unity, territorial integrity, and independence [3][4].
However, the continued operation of these bases poses questions about Syria's sovereignty for some, who view foreign bases as potential sources of internal tension [2]. Russia's military role has also been seen as undermining efforts to stabilize Syria fully, occasionally fueling insecurity and sectarian divides, and complicating relations with neighboring countries such as Turkey and Israel [2].
Syrian official Al-Schaibani has stated that reviewing these agreements is necessary to ensure they serve the needs of the Syrian people [3]. Neither Al-Schaibani nor Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have commented on the future of the military bases in Syria.
Despite the challenges, the continued operation of the Tartus naval base and the Hmeimim airbase indicates a strong commitment from Russia to its relations with Syria. Lavrov has expressed readiness to assist Syria in its reconstruction efforts and has mentioned that Russia is prepared to review "agreements and contracts closed under other conditions" in Syria [4].
In summary:
- Bases Operated: Air base in Hmeimim, Naval base in Tartus
- Syria-Russia Relations: Ongoing negotiations; Syria wants Russia involved in reconstruction and security [3][4]
- Russian Role: Security maintenance, humanitarian missions, post-conflict aid commitment [1][3]
- Political Implications: Bases pose sovereignty challenges and security burdens internally; used as bargaining chips regionally [2]
- Regional Impact: Limited deterrence of Turkish actions; tensions with Israel and other neighbours continue [2]
As discussions about the status and future of these bases continue, Russia is expected to retain and potentially formalize its military presence at Tartus and Hmeimim as part of broader security and reconstruction dynamics in Syria. However, this presence remains both a strategic asset and a political liability within Syria’s complex post-war environment. Talks about the exact terms of Russia's basing rights and roles are active as of July 2025 [1][3][4].
The European Union is also committed to strengthening relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in areas of politics, general news, and war-and-conflicts. This commitment is relevant as Russia's military presence in Syria, specifically at the Tartus naval base and the Hmeimim airbase, raises questions about Syria's sovereignty, internal security, and regional relations, creating potential sources of tension that neighboring countries such as Turkey and Israel may closely monitor.
