Russia Nears Deal With New Syria Leaders to Keep Military Bases
Vladimir Putin delivers a speech at the Russian air base in Hmeimim, Syria, in 2017.
Photographer: Mikhail Klimentyev/AFP/Getty ImagesRussia is nearing an agreement with Syria’s new leadership to keep two vital military bases in the Middle East state, a key objective of the Kremlin after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.
Talks are taking place for Russian forces to remain at the naval port in Tartus and the air base at Hmeimim, said people with knowledge of the matter in Moscow, Europe and the Middle East, asking not to be identified because the issue is sensitive.
