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Russia Negotiates Tartous, Hmeimim Use with New Syrian Leader

6/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it is negotiating with Syria to change Tartous Naval Base and Hmeimim Air Base after Bashar al-Assad’s December 2024 ouster and rebel Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rise to presidency.
Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said cooperation is developing, while President al-Sharaa offered it but demanded Assad’s extradition from Moscow.
Analysts say Russia wants to keep Tartous, a Mediterranean hub, and scale back its presence at Hmeimim, which supports African operations.

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Story summary

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it is negotiating with Syria to change Tartous Naval Base and Hmeimim Air Base after Bashar al-Assad’s December 2024 ouster and rebel Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rise to presidency.
Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said cooperation is developing, while President al-Sharaa offered it but demanded Assad’s extradition from Moscow.
Analysts say Russia wants to keep Tartous, a Mediterranean hub, and scale back its presence at Hmeimim, which supports African operations.