The soldiers had been stationed at the headquarters of the
Syrian army’s Fourth Division in Qudsaya, a suburb of Damascus. Additionally,
personnel serving at the Russian Embassy in Damascus have also left the
country.
According to Lababidi, negotiations are ongoing for the
evacuation of more Russian soldiers across Syria. The FT notes that while the
future of Russia’s presence in Syria following Assad’s regime collapse remains
unclear, the withdrawal of forces from Damascus signals a reduction in its
military footprint. This development also suggests initial signs of cooperation
between Moscow and HTS.
Lababidi, who participated in the talks, said
representatives of both sides met at HTS headquarters to negotiate safe passage
for a Russian convoy. He added that the Russians had visited only to coordinate
their withdrawal.
The troops left Damascus in a ground convoy and headed for
Russia’s Khmeimim airbase, from where they were flown back to Russia. Footage
published by FT shows a convoy of nearly 100 military vehicles, including
armored personnel carriers, transport trucks, fuel tankers, and mobile medical
units.
Lababidi noted that while Russia is not evacuating Khmeimim
airbase, personnel from other bases are being relocated there.
According to the FT, losing the Khmeimim airbase and the
Tartus naval base would pose a strategic challenge for Moscow, as these
facilities are vital for Russian operations in the Mediterranean and Africa.
Analysts suggest that in exchange for retaining these bases, Russia might offer
Syria’s new leadership financial aid, energy supplies, mineral resources, or
political support.
Russia’s presence in Syria
Russia deployed its military forces to Syria in 2015 to
support Assad’s regime during the country’s civil war, which had been ongoing
for four years. Russian airstrikes frequently targeted Syrian cities, causing
significant civilian casualties.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry’s intelligence directorate (HUR)
reported that following Assad’s removal, the Russian military began withdrawing
its forces from Syria, including ships from Tartus and equipment flown out from
Khmeimim.
On Dec. 9, CNN Türk reported that Russia requested Türkiye’s
support to safely withdraw its troops from Syria after Assad’s regime
collapsed.
On Dec. 12, Bloomberg claimed Russia was nearing an
agreement with Syria’s new authorities to retain its two military bases.
HUR also stated that Russian troops leaving bases in remote
Syrian regions are regrouping at Tartus and Khmeimim in preparation for
evacuation.
“Those awaiting evacuation often engage in looting and heavy
drinking while awaiting flights. Four to five military transport planes shuttle
daily between Khmeimim and Russian airbases,” HUR noted.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Russia does not plan to
completely withdraw from Syria.