Syria's interim President Ahmed Sharaa is negotiating the future of two key Russian military installations following the December 2024 fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, according to multiple diplomatic sources [1][2].

The facilities in question include the Hmeimim Air Base and the Soviet-era Tartous Naval Base, Russia's only Mediterranean naval facility. These bases, crucial to Russia's military presence in the Middle East and Africa, are now under guard by former rebel forces from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) [3].

Russian military movements have become restricted, with forces required to notify HTS guards before leaving the bases. "They have to notify us before they leave," one guard told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity [1].

Sharaa seeks to renegotiate the previous agreements, which included a 49-year lease for Tartous and an indefinite lease for Hmeimim. However, sources indicate both parties are working toward a compromise rather than complete Russian withdrawal [4].

Key issues under discussion include:

Syria's external debt of $20-23 billionCompensation for war damage, estimated at $400 billion by the UN ESCWAThe status of Assad, who fled to Russia in DecemberAlleged Syrian funds in Russian banks

A January 29 meeting between Sharaa and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov was described as constructive by multiple sources. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing negotiations, stating, "We are continuing our contacts with the Syrian authorities" [2].

The U.S. State Department views Assad's departure as an opportunity for Syria to reduce Russian and Iranian influence. However, Israel reportedly supports continued Russian presence as a counterbalance to Turkish influence in the region [1].