Russia is actively seeking arrangements to preserve its military bases in Syria and has resorted to direct appeals to the Syrian government. Dialogue between the two countries has been opened in an attempt to secure Moscow’s interests in the region, which include maintaining access to the Mediterranean minimum two locations of significant strategic military importance: the Hameimim air base in Latakia province and the naval facility at Tartus.
The Russian government, encountering economic difficulties at home amidst falling oil prices, is incapable of financing the necessary improvements and upkeep of these bases unaided. Therefore, it has requested financial assistance from Syria, even as the Middle-eastern nation grapples with the economic and infrastructural fallout of a decade-long civil war.
Despite the pleas for assistance, Russia’s presence in Syria is not without controversy. Some Syrians accuse Russia of further destabilizing the country and contributing to the longevity of the civil war, which has resulted in large-scale loss of life and displacement of citizens since its inception in 2011. Russia’s involvement in the region, however, has been pivotal in propping up the Assad regime during the past ten years of conflict.
While Russia has not revealed the exact sum it seeks from Syria, it is evident that the funds are vital for maintaining and updating the military infrastructure. The details of the finance negotiations and how they might impact the relationship between the two nations moving forward remain unclear.
This negotiation illustrates the complex dynamics of Syrian-Russian relations, showcasing the mutual dependencies and the delicate power balance maintained by the two nations. While it underscores Russia’s desire to sustain its strategic military presence in the region, it also sheds light on the financial constraints affecting Moscow’s ambitions, thereby highlighting the depths of its current economic struggles.
Last modified: February 3, 2025
