Syria and Russia Sign Memorandum to Reshape Military Presence on the Syrian Coast | Ukraine news

After months of negotiations, the agreement could redefine a strategically important relationship. The next steps may reveal how far the shift goes.

Syria and Russia have signed a memorandum regulating the reorganization of Russia’s military presence along the Syrian coast. It provides for the transfer of civilian facilities to the control of the Syrian state and the conversion of Russian military bases into joint training centers.

The information was reported by Syrian authorities.

Key provisions of the memorandum and its implications

According to a representative of the foreign ministry’s communications department, the document defines the future status of facilities in Hmeimim and Tartus. It is the result of approximately 18 months of intensive negotiations led by Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Under the memorandum, Syria will take over the management of facilities designated for civilian use, including Hmeimim Airport and the port of Tartus’s fourth commercial berth, allowing them to be gradually integrated into the country’s civilian infrastructure.

The parties also agreed to review the use of facilities currently designated for military purposes, while the Russian military bases will be converted into joint training and professional development centers under the new arrangements.

According to the ministry, the memorandum provides for the completion of the transfer of the facilities within three months, after which the new arrangements will take effect.

Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the agreement the most significant development since negotiations began approximately 18 months ago, saying that it opens the way for a new stage in relations between the two countries.

Since the beginning of 2025, Russia has sought to retain its bases in Syria, but its support for Bashar al-Assad weakened its position in the negotiations.

The agreed document could alter the balance of power in the region and lay the groundwork for further dialogue between the parties, underscoring their desire for more stable relations and the integration of Syria’s civilian infrastructure.