New Syrian leader aims to strengthen relations with Russia

The newly established Syrian authorities, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), aim to maintain a positive relationship with Russia, as stated by the de facto leader Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa. In an interview with Al Arabiya on Sunday, also known by his alias Abu Mohammad al-Julani, he indicated that his administration does not necessarily intend to pursue the removal of Russian military installations from Syrian territory.

Following the takeover of Damascus by militant factions and the subsequent resignation of former President Bashar Assad, the status of Russian forces stationed at the Khmeimim and Tartus bases has become a topic of discussion. Russia manages the Khmeimim Air Base and a logistics support facility in Tartus, both located along Syria’s Mediterranean coast. In 2017, an agreement was reached between Russia and Syria to allow Russian troops to remain there for a period of 49 years.

Al-Sharaa noted that Syria has “strategic interests” in fostering strong ties with what he referred to as the “second most powerful country in the world.” He stressed the importance of ensuring that Russia’s exit from Syria, if it were to occur, would reflect the longstanding relationship between the two nations. The new authorities in Damascus are keen to avoid conflicts with foreign powers.

Earlier this month, he informed reporters that the “Syrian leadership was eager to avoid antagonizing Russia” and was open to providing Moscow the “chance to reassess its relationship with Syria in a manner that benefits mutual interests.”

In an interview with RIA Novosti on Sunday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that the agreements regarding the presence of Russian military forces in Syria were “in effect” and had been “established in accordance with international law.”

The diplomat further explained that Russia was willing to engage in discussions about the future of its military facilities with the new leadership in Damascus after the announced transition period, which is set to conclude on March 1.

Earlier this month, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is keeping “communication with the representatives of the forces managing the situation in [Syria], and all decisions will be made through dialogue.”

Around the same time, TASS reported, citing unnamed sources, that Moscow had “obtained temporary security assurances, allowing military bases to function normally.”

In late November, several armed opposition groups, led by HTS, initiated a rapid offensive. This operation resulted in the swift capture of extensive territories throughout Syria within days, culminating in the dramatic takeover of the capital, Damascus. The rapidity and magnitude of their advance astonished both regional and international observers, leaving the Syrian government in chaos. Assad was compelled to abandon his position and flee the country, ultimately seeking refuge in Russia.