Russia, reeling from Assad loss, delays decision on Syria naval presence till March
Russia’s military withdrawal from Syria marks a strategic shift, with diplomatic efforts now focused on retaining influence.
MOSCOW — Two Russian diplomatic sources who have worked in Syria at different times told Al-Monitor that the formal decision on the military bases and presence in the country has been postponed until March 2025, as Moscow continues to grapple with the fall of the Assad regime.
While Russian military and naval assets have been seen evacuating Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8, Russia has not made a final decision on the matter, the diplomatic sources said. Instead, it is waiting for the current transitional cabinet under caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir to expire in March and for the proposed elections to be held then.
Dramatic turn for Moscow
Russia’s military is withdrawing forces and equipment from Syria, with reports indicating that warships are being moved from Tartous to Libya. This signals a dramatic shift in Moscow’s Middle East strategy as it grapples with the unraveling of its presence and influence in the region.
