Russia reaffirms military presence in Syria, says dialogue with Damascus ongoing
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is actively working to strengthen its ties with the Syrian leadership and continues to hold consultations with regional players on developments in the country.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Russia confirmed on Friday that its military forces remain stationed in Syria and emphasized that it is engaged in ongoing dialogue with Damascus regarding the future of its strategic presence, amid regional shifts and continued diplomatic activity between Moscow and the Syrian transitional authorities.
The announcement came one day after Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his country’s commitment to ensuring that Syria remains “a unified, sovereign, and independent state.” During a meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Putin underscored that Moscow would do “everything in its power” to preserve Syria’s territorial integrity.
Dialogue with Damascus and regional stakeholders
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is actively working to strengthen its ties with the Syrian leadership and continues to hold consultations with regional players on developments in the country.
When asked about Russia’s stance on Israeli and Turkish activities within Syrian territory, Peskov asserted, “Russia’s position is clear and unwavering: Syria’s territorial unity and border integrity must be safeguarded.”
Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, echoed this position during a press briefing, affirming that “the Russian army remains where it has been deployed” and that “dialogue is ongoing with the Syrian government.” He noted that Russia’s special envoy had recently visited Syria and that President Putin had spoken with the head of Syria’s transitional period.
“We are talking to the Syrians and to the current government,” Nebenzya said, though he declined to offer specifics about the locations of Russian forces amid reports of partial withdrawals toward Russia’s main base in Hmeimim, located in Syria’s coastal Latakia province.
Military footprint with strategic aims
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed that joint work with Syrian authorities is underway regarding Russia’s military presence. She described current contacts as focused on “realizing existing opportunities for bilateral cooperation” and ensuring clarity over the scope and terms of Russian deployments in the country.
According to Russian military analysts, maintaining a limited presence in Syria serves long-term strategic goals—chiefly facilitating naval operations in the Mediterranean and ensuring logistical support to Moscow’s positions in North Africa.
While President Putin has previously stated that Russia is prepared to withdraw its forces “if necessary,” current diplomatic and security signals point to a sustained, though potentially scaled-back, posture.
Prospective deal with Syria’s new leadership
A report by Bloomberg News on Friday indicated that Russia is nearing an agreement with Syria’s transitional government that would allow it to retain a limited number of troops, equipment, and access to key military facilities. The report, citing unnamed sources, stated that the Kremlin seeks to preserve its naval base in Tartus and the airbase in Hmeimim—installations central to Russia’s projection of power in the eastern Mediterranean.
Such a deal would align with Moscow’s broader policy objectives: preserving influence in the Levant, deterring external actors from altering Syria’s territorial map, and maintaining leverage in post-conflict reconstruction and political transition processes.
