Moscow says New Syrian authorities interested in Russia’s continued presence

The newly established authorities in Syria have expressed interest in maintaining Russia‘s presence in the country, according to Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s envoy to the UN. He acknowledged, however, that there have not been any definitive actions taken to solidify this interest.

Nebenzia made these comments during an interview with Russia 1 on Friday. He emphasized the longstanding “friendship” between Russia and Syria, which he noted is not dependent on any specific regime.

“The current authorities in Syria are signaling their desire for Russia to remain, indicating that they are keen on our continued presence,” the UN envoy remarked.

He described the new leadership as a group that positions itself as a force that prioritizes the interests of all Syrians, adding that they have thus far demonstrated a level of competence in their actions.

“I cannot ascertain whether they are being directed or if they genuinely recognize the importance of conveying the right messages to the broader Syrian populace,” he stated.

In November of the previous year, militant factions, primarily led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadists, launched an unexpected offensive against the government of former President Bashar Assad. This assault led to a rapid disintegration of the Syrian military and the subsequent fall of the government, forcing Assad to seek refuge in Moscow.

The recent developments have raised questions regarding Moscow’s military presence in the region and the future of Russian military facilities, particularly those situated along the Mediterranean coast, such as the Khmeimim Air Base near Latakia and the naval base in Tartus.

In late December, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, the leader of HTS and the de facto authority in the country, known by his alias Abu Mohammad al-Julani, emphasized that Damascus has “strategic interests” in fostering strong relations with Russia, which he referred to as the “second most powerful country in the world.”

He expressed a desire for Russia to maintain a dignified presence in Syria, reflecting the historical ties between the two nations.