Russia is negotiating an agreement to maintain its military bases in Syria, as Damascus signals a desire to reset relations with Moscow, according to European and Syrian officials. The discussions come amid a series of developments highlighting the deepening ties between the two nations, including the delivery of a diesel cargo to Syria aboard a tanker under U.S. sanctions—the first such direct supply in over a decade, according to LSEG data.
The final destination of the diesel shipment remains unclear. However, Russia’s military installations in Syria—an air base in Hmeimim and a naval base in Tartous—are critical to its strategic reach in the Middle East and Africa. These bases have faced uncertainty following the sudden fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last year, though Moscow has repeatedly expressed its intention to retain control over them.
Syria Receives Currency Printed in Russia, Signaling Economic Ties
In a further sign of strengthening relations, Syria received a new shipment of its local currency printed in Russia on Wednesday, with more deliveries expected in the future, a Syrian government official confirmed. The cash arrived at Damascus airport and was transported by a convoy of trucks to the central bank, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Syria began outsourcing its currency production to Russia under a multi-million-dollar contract during its 13-year civil war, after European sanctions forced the termination of a previous agreement with a subsidiary of the Austrian central bank. The latest shipment underscores the growing economic collaboration between Moscow and Damascus, which has persisted despite the political upheaval in Syria.
Russia’s support for Assad during the civil war was pivotal, with its military intervention helping to turn the tide against rebel groups, including the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which briefly ousted Assad in a rapid offensive last year. After Assad fled to Moscow, Russia swiftly moved to preserve its influence in Syria, particularly its strategic bases along the country’s Mediterranean coast.
Strategic Investments and Diplomatic Engagements
Russia is reportedly planning multibillion-dollar investments in Syria to secure its military presence, including the construction of a new port in Tartous, offshore gas concessions, phosphate mines near Palmyra, and a fertilizer plant in Homs. These projects align with Moscow’s broader strategy to maintain its foothold in the region, which serves as a gateway to the Mediterranean and Africa.
Diplomatic efforts have also intensified. A senior Russian diplomat visited Damascus in January, and Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. Two days later, Syria received its first shipment of Russian-printed currency, further cementing the partnership.
However, the talks have not been without tension. According to The Wall Street Journal, Damascus has requested the extradition of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, but Moscow has refused to engage on the issue. The discussions also reportedly included a potential apology from Russia for its role in civilian casualties during the conflict.
The negotiations, led by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Special Envoy to Syria Alexander Lavrentyev, underscore Moscow’s determination to preserve its strategic interests in Syria, even as the political landscape continues to shift.