Syria and Russia Agree to End Full Russian Control of Tartus and Hmeimim
Syria and Russia signed a memorandum in early August that shifts Tartus naval base and Hmeimim airfield to civilian administration, leaving Russian troops in the country only under Damascus-determined terms.
Syria’s state news agency reported that a memorandum of understanding reached in early August will gradually transfer civilian facilities at Tartus Port’s fourth commercial quay and Hmeimim Airport to Syrian state control, boosting port capacity and cargo handling. Military areas at the sites will become training centers after a three-month handover period, while Russian personnel can stay only under conditions set by Damascus, ending the privileged status they held prior to December 2024.
The shift follows months of negotiations after the 2024 overthrow of Bashar al-Assad and the rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government, which had already seen Russia withdraw most strategic weapons. Commentators such as Ibrahim Hamidi and John Dobson describe the pact as the conclusion of Russia’s autonomous base model and a move toward a jointly managed presence. The change reflects both Syria’s pragmatic need for Russian cooperation and Moscow’s weakened position after its war in Ukraine.
Why it matters
The deal limits Russia’s independent military foothold in the Mediterranean, reshaping power dynamics in the region.
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