Full Breakdown
Putin and al-Sharaa Discuss Future of Russia’s Syrian Bases
8/27/2026, 2:27:18 AM
Talks on the Bases’ Reorganisation
During a telephone call on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed the status of the Khmeimim airbase and the Tartous naval base. Both leaders underscored the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding on the reorganisation of the Khmeimim Air Base and the Tartus Material-Technical Support Point, which the Kremlin said was signed on August 9. The agreement, reached after 18 months of negotiations, will convert the two facilities into “joint training and capacity-building centres,” with Syrian authorities assuming control of civilian infrastructure at each site.
Background of the Russian Footprint
Russia has backed former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad throughout the country’s 13-year civil war, establishing a strategic presence at Khmeimim and Tartous. The bases have served as a launch point for Russian air operations and a Mediterranean naval hub, reinforcing Moscow’s influence across the Middle East and North Africa. Since al-Sharaa’s rise to power following the ouster of the Assad regime, Putin has pursued diplomatic engagement to secure the long-term status of these installations.
Core Elements of the Agreement
- Joint training centres: Both sides will use the bases for collaborative military training and capacity-building activities.
- Civilian control: Syria will take over civilian facilities at Khmeimim and Tartous, while Russia retains operational capabilities for its forces.
- Continued diplomatic contact: The Kremlin indicated that Russia-Syria relations will proceed through “various levels” of ongoing dialogue.
Official Statements
The Kremlin reiterated Moscow’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity and its rejection of Israeli attacks that violate Syrian sovereignty, as reported by the Syrian news agency SANA. Syrian officials highlighted that the talks aimed at deepening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in trade, alongside the base reorganisation.
Potential Impact
Transforming the bases into joint centres could preserve Russia’s strategic foothold while granting Damascus greater authority over civilian aspects of the facilities. The arrangement may also signal a broader effort to normalise Russia-Syria relations under the new Syrian leadership, potentially affecting regional security dynamics and Russia’s ability to project power in the Eastern Mediterranean.
