Putin and Al-Sharaa Agree to Restructure Russian Military Presence in Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa held a telephone call on August 26 to discuss regional stability and the implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed on August 9. The agreement reorganizes Russia's military presence in Syria following the December 2024 ousting of Bashar al-Assad, who remains in exile in Russia after being sentenced to death in absentia by a Syrian court.

Under the deal, the Hmeimim air base and the Tartus logistics support facility will be converted into joint training and capacity-building centers. Syria has regained control of associated civilian facilities, including the international airport in Latakia. This transition is expected to conclude within three months, ending 18 months of negotiations intended to preserve Russian influence in the Mediterranean while allowing the new Syrian government to diversify its international partnerships.

Russia continues to provide Syria with crude oil, wheat, and military hardware, while maintaining strategic access to surveil the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. During the call, Putin affirmed Russia's support for Syrian territorial integrity and rejected Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani characterized the new approach as a pragmatic relationship, stating that Syria does not want Russia to dominate the country.