Russia’s Bases in Syria Saved? Moscow Deal Revealed.

Syria’s foreign ministry announced on Thursday that it has reached an agreement with Moscow regarding the future of Russia’s key military installations in the country. Under the deal, the Hmeimim airbase and the Tartous naval base will be converted into “joint training and capacity-building centers.” The statement marks a significant shift for the two facilities, which have served as Russia’s primary military footholds in the Middle East since the Syrian civil war. The new designation suggests a reduced permanent Russian presence, but keeps Moscow formally involved in the bases’ operations. No further details on the timeline or the scale of the joint activities were provided by Syrian officials. The agreement follows months of speculation about Russia’s future in Syria after recent political changes in Damascus.