Russia is in the final stages of negotiations with the new Syrian authorities on the issue of maintaining its military bases in the country, Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with the negotiations. Since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime on December 8, 2024, Moscow has been actively trying to strengthen its position in the region, adapting to new political realities.

According to Bloomberg, the main discussions concern the continued operation of key military facilities – the Khmeimim air base and the naval base in Tartus. These bases play a strategic role for Russia, allowing it to maintain a military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and maintain influence in the Middle East.

The talks are taking place amid difficult conditions, sources say, as the new Syrian leaders, backed by a number of Western countries, consider renegotiating earlier agreements with Moscow. However, Russia has emphasized its role in maintaining stability in the region and has offered to continue military-technical cooperation with the new administration.

Experts note that preserving Russian bases is a priority for the Kremlin, as it not only symbolizes Moscow's influence in the region, but also provides it with important strategic opportunities.

“Military facilities in Syria are a key element of Russian foreign policy, which allows not only to project power, but also to put national interests first,” — notes the source of Avia.pro.

The new Syrian authorities, in turn, are interested in attracting international aid to help rebuild the country after years of civil war. This opens up opportunities for negotiations in which Russia can use its influence to strike favorable deals.

Meanwhile, Western countries are closely monitoring the situation. The US and its allies are concerned that Moscow will be able to maintain its military position even after the change of power in Damascus. This could intensify competition for influence in Syria and the Middle East as a whole.

The fall of the Assad regime has become a serious challenge for Russian diplomacy and military strategy in the region. However, the Kremlin’s operational actions show that Moscow is ready to adapt to new conditions in order to preserve its interests.

The situation in Syria remains unstable, and further steps by Russia and the new Syrian authorities will have a significant impact on the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.