The Syrian government has announced a new agreement with Moscow regarding the status of two strategically vital military installations: the Hmeimim air base and the Tartus naval base. Under the terms of the deal, these sites will be repurposed as joint training centers, signaling a transition in the military cooperation between the two nations.

This development follows the significant political upheaval in Syria earlier this year, which saw the removal of Bashar al-Assad from power. Russia, which had served as a primary military ally to the Assad administration for over a decade, faced a potential loss of regional influence following his ouster. The current agreement appears to be an effort by both parties to stabilize their diplomatic and military ties under the new Syrian leadership.

While both NDTV and The Times of Israel confirm the existence of the deal, they emphasize different aspects of the transition. NDTV focuses on the historical context of Russia’s role in the 13-year conflict and the impact of Assad's removal on Russian regional power. Conversely, The Times of Israel highlights the specific shift in control, framing the agreement as Syria regaining authority over the bases through a transition to joint operations. Both outlets agree that the deal represents a 'new phase' in the relationship between Moscow and the current Syrian regime.