Damascus to reduce Russian presence in Syria by third - report

The talks between Damascus and the SDF, which led to an agreement transferring control of Hasakah province to Syria's transitional government, could impact the Russian presence in the Arab Republic. Russia may be asked to leave an airbase located in that area.

Syria's transitional government, led by Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, may scale back military cooperation with Russia by requesting the Russian side to vacate the base it currently occupies in the northeastern city of Qamishli, according to Russian media reports.

Russia currently maintains military presence at Syria's airfield in Qamishli, the Hmeimim airbase, and the port of Tartus.

Amid talks between the Syrian Defense Ministry and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which involve the transfer of Hasakah province to the transitional government's administration, a resumption of dialogue regarding Russia's presence in the country is expected, a Syrian source told Kommersant.

The U.S., acting as a mediator between Damascus and the Kurdish militia, is gradually reducing its support for the latter, which could lead to more precarious positions for the SDF in the region.

Russia's military presence at the Qamishli airfield in Syria, which began in 2019, persisted even after political changes in the country and was increased in 2025. However, in January, Syria TV reported a partial withdrawal of Russian equipment from there for unclear reasons.

In October 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the Syrian authorities were interested in maintaining the presence of Russian military forces.