@jolyonA deal is in place for Syria to assume control of Russia’s two primary military bases. Damascus will operate the transport facilities at the Hmeimim air base and the Tartus naval base along the Mediterranean coast. Once a 3-month transition wraps up, the Russian sites shift to joint training centers, effectively closing the book on Moscow’s prolonged military footprint in Syria. Russia had banked on retaining those bases after its ally Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in 2024. The development unfolds as the U.S. proceeds with delisting Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list. Moscow has stayed silent so far. FT #VladimirPutin #Syria

@jolyonA deal is in place for Syria to assume control of Russia’s two primary military bases. Damascus will operate the transport facilities at the Hmeimim air base and the Tartus naval base along the Mediterranean coast. Once a 3-month transition wraps up, the Russian sites shift to joint training centers, effectively closing the book on Moscow’s prolonged military footprint in Syria. Russia had banked on retaining those bases after its ally Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in 2024. The development unfolds as the U.S. proceeds with delisting Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list. Moscow has stayed silent so far. FT #VladimirPutin #Syria