Russia: Two bases in Syria remain operational, supporting stability.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin: Khmeimim and Tartus remain operational, contributing to stability; they can receive and distribute aid; military-technical cooperation is unrestricted.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin stated that the two Russian facilities in Syria remain operational and are considered a positive factor contributing to the stabilization of the situation in Syria and the wider region. He clarified that the bases could be used to receive and distribute humanitarian aid to Syria, and affirmed that there are currently no sanctions restricting military-technical cooperation between Russia and Syria.
Overview
In an interview with RTVI on December 3rd, Sergey Vershinin emphasized the role of the Russian network of bases in Syria in regional stability. The two facilities mentioned are the Khmeimim air base (Latakia) and the logistics support center in Tartus, both located on the Mediterranean coast. According to him, maintaining the operation of these facilities is part of an approach aimed at contributing to overall stability.
The operational status and tasks are stated.
- Two Russian facilities in Syria remain operational.
- It is seen as a positive factor contributing to the stabilization of the situation in Syria and the wider region.
- Humanitarian aid can be received and distributed through various channels.
Legal basis and cooperation
In 2017, Russia and Syria signed a 49-year lease extension, which included Russia's use of the Khmeimim air base in Latakia and a logistics support center in Tartus. Sergey Vershinin stated that all operations are conducted based on mutual interests and objectives of regional stability and security. He affirmed that there are currently no sanctions in place that could restrict military-technical cooperation between Russia and Syria.
Summary table of the two facilities
| Facility | Location | Type | The role as stated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khmeimim | Latakia | Airbase | Continue operations; contribute to stability; be able to receive and distribute humanitarian aid. |
| Tartus | Tartus | Logistics Support Center | Continue operations; contribute to stability; be able to receive and distribute humanitarian aid. |
Deployment context
In 2015, Russia decided to deploy forces to Syria to support the government of former President Bashar al-Assad in combating elements of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS). Two years later, a 49-year extension agreement was signed between the two sides, including the right to use Khmeimim and the logistics center in Tartus.
Following the collapse of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime, the future of these facilities has become uncertain. According to TASS, the new Syrian government has no immediate plans to terminate the agreements allowing Russia to operate the facilities in Latakia and Tartus.
Humanitarian and logistics
Sergey Vershinin suggested that the bases could be used to receive and distribute humanitarian aid to Syria through various channels. In December 2024, President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow had offered to use these bases to provide humanitarian aid to Syria.
Key timeline
- 2015: Russia deployed forces to Syria to help combat ISIS.
- 2017: Russia and Syria signed a 49-year lease extension for Khmeimim and the Tartus logistics center.
- December 2024: President Vladimir Putin said Moscow offered to use its bases to deliver humanitarian aid.
- 3/12: Sergey Vershinin affirmed that the two facilities remain operational and contribute to stability; there are no sanctions restricting military-technical cooperation.
Assessment by source
The above information reflects the official position presented by Sergey Vershinin, emphasizing the operational status, 49-year legal framework, and ability of Khmeimim and Tartus to serve humanitarian purposes. According to these statements, maintaining the two facilities is seen as a positive contribution to regional stability and is not bound by sanctions restrictions in the field of military-technical cooperation between Russia and Syria.
