No ‘Final Decisions’ Regarding Fate of Russian Bases in Syria: Kremlin

Russia says its continued presence in Syria—diplomatic and military—will depend on talks with the war-torn country’s next government.

A Russian military aircraft approaches Hmeimim Air Base in Latakia, Syria, on Dec. 14, 2024. Umit Bektas/Reuters

The fate of two Russian military bases in eastern Syria remains unclear following last week’s sudden collapse of the government in Damascus, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Dec. 16.

Since 2015, Russia has maintained a substantial military presence in Syria to support the government of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.