Lavrov comments on Russian military presence in post-revolt Syria

The continued presence of Russian military bases in Syria and conditions of their operation could be subject of future negotiations with Syria’s new leadership, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with RIA Novosti on Sunday.

”The deployment of Russian military bases in Syria is stipulated by valid interstate agreements, concluded under the norms of international law. Each of them defines the operating conditions of these facilities and includes specific obligations for both sides,” Lavrov said.

The diplomat acknowledged that the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad has brought adjustments to Russia’s military arrangements in the country. While no formal requests have been made to revise agreements, Lavrov noted the transition period declared until March 1, 2025, under the interim Syrian government, imposes limitations on its policy-making.

After militant groups led by Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS) launched a surprise offensive across the country, capturing several key cities, including the capital, and forcing Assad to resign as president and seek asylum in Russia, the fate of Russia’s bases at Khmeimim and Tartus was under question. In 2017, Moscow and Damascus agreed to station Russian troops there for 49 years.

“It is not only about preserving our bases or strongholds but also about the conditions of their operation, maintenance, and provision, as well as interaction with the local side. These topics could become the subject of negotiations with the new Syrian leadership,” the minister said.

Earlier this week, Lavrov said that Moscow maintains contact with the new Syrian authorities, discussing the safety of Russian citizens and the embassy in the country. He emphasized Moscow’s interest in dialogue with Damascus on other bilateral issues as well.

”We are clear about the fact that the Syrian people are interested in establishing good relations with all ‘external players’ without exception. We believe that this is the right thing to do. That is one of the key factors that will guarantee unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of the Syrian state. We are ready to contribute to that in every possible way,” he said during an online press conference.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated last week that Moscow was in ongoing discussions with the new authorities in Damascus regarding the future of Russian military bases in Syria, though no decisions have been reached yet.