Following a swift advance by a militia alliance led by Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once affiliated with al-Qaeda, Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, sparking concerns over the future of two key Russian military bases in Syria.
Moscow:
On Monday, the Kremlin stated that it was too early to determine the future of Russia’s military bases in Syria, noting that discussions would take place with the new authorities in Damascus.
Following a rapid advance by a militia coalition led by Hayat al-Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, raising concerns about the fate of two key Russian military installations in Syria.
When asked about the bases’ future, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded, “It’s premature to talk about it yet.”
He added, “This is all a matter for discussion with those who will be in power in Syria,” citing the current “extreme instability” in the country.
Peskov also emphasized that efforts were being made to establish contact with those who could address security concerns and reassured that Russia’s military was taking necessary precautions.
Russia maintains two critical facilities in Syria: the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia province and a naval facility in Tartous on the coast. The Tartous base is Russia’s sole Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, and it serves as a key staging post for flying military contractors in and out of Africa.
Peskov confirmed that Assad had been granted asylum in Russia, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Regarding a potential meeting between Putin and Assad, Peskov stated that none was currently on the Kremlin’s official schedule.
Peskov said more broadly that the Kremlin views the international situation as increasingly unstable, with a high risk of conflict.
“We observe the situation around Ukraine, see many contradictory statements on the matter, and witness a growing conflict potential in other regions. We can call the Middle East a hotspot,” Peskov stated.
US President-elect Donald Trump called on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire and direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end what he described as “the madness.”
The Kremlin responded by expressing openness to talks, but emphasized that any discussions must be based on agreements made in Istanbul in 2022 and reflect the current battlefield realities, where Russian forces have been advancing at their fastest pace since the early days of the war in 2022.
President Putin has insisted that Ukraine must not join NATO, and that for a peace deal to occur, Russia must retain full control over the four Ukrainian regions it currently partially occupies.
When asked if there had been any communication with Trump or his team, Peskov replied, “No, there have still been no contacts.”
