Russia’s military in Syria: Russia is keeping military bases in Syria for the time being

After Bashar al-Assad’s removal from power, Russia wants to keep its military bases in Syria for the time being and discuss their whereabouts with the future leadership. “We are seeing a period of transformation, of extreme instability, so of course it will take time, and then it will need a serious conversation with those who come to power,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to the Russian news agency Interfax. He responded to a question about whether Russia wanted to maintain its presence there. Russia maintains, among other things, an air force and a naval base in Syria.

It is now important to clarify the issue of the security of the Russian military in Syria, said Peskov. The Russian soldiers themselves took all precautionary measures. The Kremlin spokesman did not give any details.

A deduction is therefore currently not planned. Russia had supported Assad militarily since 2015 and played a key role in keeping him in power until the family’s rule came to an end at the weekend after half a century.

Kremlin: Putin made his own decision on asylum for Assad

Peskov admitted that the events had also surprised Russia. Syria has always been considered the country’s most important ally in the Middle East. Russia has granted asylum to Assad and his family.

Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, who repeatedly met with Assad, made the decision to accept the family in Russia, Peskov said. An official meeting with the ousted politician has not yet been planned. He also did not provide any information about where exactly the Assads are. Russia has repeatedly granted asylum to fallen authoritarian statesmen.

Of course, it is important to maintain dialogue with all countries in the region, said Peskov. “We are determined to do this.” Russia is also in dialogue with Turkey on Syria.