Syria-Russia Deal Strips Warfighting Role From Moscow's Only Bases Beyond Former Soviet Union

Syria and Russia agreed to convert the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base into joint training centres, ending 18 months of talks after Assad's ouster. The facilities are Russia's only official military bases outside the former Soviet Union. Tartus was Russia's sole Mediterranean repair hub. A three-month transition deadline now applies. The agreement replaces a 49-year lease and indefinite access granted under Assad.