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Syria’s Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra said Russia might be allowed to retain its military bases on the Mediterranean coast if it aligns with national interests.

As the transitional government moves ahead in redefining international alliances following the ousting of the Bashar al-Assad regime, Abu Qasra claimed Moscow's attitude has "improved significantly".

Russia, which granted Assad refuge and helped him militarily against rebel forces for years before his downfall, was in talks with the interim administration to retain its two bases in Syria, a naval facility in Tartous, and the Hmeimim airbase near the port city of Latakia.

Putin intervened militarily in Syria’s civil war in 2015, providing air and ground support to prop up the former regime. His forces were instrumental in retaking large swaths of territory but were also responsible for extensive destruction in opposition-controlled areas. 

Now, under new leadership, Syria is considering Moscow's demands to retain its naval base in Tartus and airbase in Latakia.

Asked about the sudden shift, Abu Qasra said of Russia that "in politics, there are no permanent enemies" and that the Kremlin could be allowed to maintain these facilities but under one caveat: "If we get benefits for Syria out of this, yes," he said.

Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister, stated that discussions on Moscow's military presence in Syria are ongoing. "So far, nothing has changed," he said, leaving the future of Russian bases uncertain. 

Negotiating with US and Turkish Forces 

Beyond its discussions with Russia, Syria is engaging in parallel negotiations with the United States and Turkey over their military presence in the country. US forces, stationed in northeastern Syria since 2015 to combat the Islamic State (IS), maintain control over key areas alongside the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). 

"The issue of whether the United States will maintain a military presence in Syria’s northeast is under negotiation," Abu Qasra claimed.

On Sunday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan proposed a regional coalition involving Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Turkey to combat IS remnants, potentially reducing the US role in the region. Syria’s new leadership has shown interest in such proposals, although Abu Qasra declined to comment on specifics. 

Meanwhile, the status of Kurdish-controlled areas, which make up nearly a quarter of Syrian territory, remains a critical issue for the new government. The minister emphasised that while a military solution is undesirable, any resolution must ensure Damascus retains full control. 

"The military solution will cause bloodshed on both sides," he said. "According to our assessment, the solution will be peaceful. We are not inclined toward a military solution."