Putin and al-Sharaa discuss Russia-Syria relations, deal on military bases

What the report says

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed bilateral ties in a phone call on Wednesday, with the future of Russia’s military bases in Syria among the main topics, according to Al Jazeera’s report drawing on Syrian state media and Kremlin statements. The conversation also covered political dialogue, trade and Moscow’s stated support for Syria’s territorial integrity.

Al Jazeera reported that the Kremlin again rejected Israeli attacks and said the sides intended to keep contact at multiple levels. Syria’s news agency SANA said the talks were meant to deepen cooperation and advance relations between Damascus and Moscow. A central issue remains the status of the Khmeimim airbase and Tartous naval base, both of which have been strategically important to Russia.

The article said Syria announced earlier in August that it had reached an agreement with Moscow after about 18 months of negotiations. Under that arrangement, the two bases would be converted into joint training and capacity-building centers, while Syria would take control of civilian facilities at both sites.

The report adds broader context: Russia built up its military presence in Syria during the civil war to support former president Bashar al-Assad, and Moscow is now seeking to preserve influence after Assad’s ouster. The talks suggest both governments are trying to manage a sensitive transition while keeping some form of security and political cooperation in place.