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Russia close to deal with Syria for post-Assad military presence, Bloomberg reports

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Russia close to deal with Syria for post-Assad military presence, Bloomberg reports
Russian soldiers with Russian flags are seen on the armored vehicles as they enter the base at the Tishrin Dam, which the US troops withdrew from, located 90 kilometers east of Aleppo, Syria, on Nov. 18, 2019. (Bekir Kasim / Getty Images)

Russia is reportedly nearing a deal with Syria to maintain a limited military presence in the country after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 17, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Since Assad's overthrow in December, Russia has begun withdrawing military assets from Syria, raising doubts about its future role in the region.

The Kremlin is seeking continued access to the naval base in Tartus and the Khmeimim airbase, which have served as key military footholds in the region.

Russia deployed troops to Syria in 2015 to bolster Assad's regime, which used Moscow's backing, in the form of ground troops and aerial bombardment, to gain the upper hand in the country's protracted civil war.

In exchange for maintaining its military facilities, Moscow may assist Damascus in countering the Islamic State group, which remains active in eastern Syria, according to Bloomberg sources. Russia's presence could also help balance Turkey's influence in the country.

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The reported deal follows the first official phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, on Feb. 12.

Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra suggested earlier this month that Russia's ability to retain its military bases would depend on what it offers in return.

Syria's new government has reportedly demanded that Moscow hand over Assad and his close aides, Reuters reported on Jan. 28.

Ukraine has also engaged with Syria's new government regarding Russia's military presence. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visited Damascus on Dec. 30 and later indicated that Kyiv and Damascus share similar views on the matter.

Western officials have been cautious in their approach to Syria's new government. EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas warned that while humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts are being scaled up, sanctions could be reinstated if Damascus takes "wrong steps."

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Tim Zadorozhnyy

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Tim Zadorozhnyy is the reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in foreign policy, U.S.-Ukraine relations, and political developments across Europe and Russia. Based in Warsaw, he is pursuing studies in International Relations and the European Studies program at Lazarski University, offered in partnership with Coventry University. Tim began his career at a local television channel in Odesa in 2022. After relocating to Warsaw, he spent a year and a half with the Belarusian independent media outlet NEXTA, initially as a news anchor and later as managing editor. Tim is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian.

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