Syrian social media widely discussed Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani’s visit, together with Syrian officials, to Hmeimim Air Base and the port of Tartus. The trip focused on implementing an agreement to transform Russian military facilities into joint training centers. Particular attention was drawn to a Russian officer walking behind the Syrian delegation.
Users compared the episode with a well-known scene from 2017, when a Russian officer prevented Bashar al-Assad from walking alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin at the same base. At the time, many interpreted the gesture as a symbol of the former Syrian regime’s dependence on Moscow in exchange for military and political protection. The current photograph, by contrast, shows Syrian representatives moving independently around the facilities and positioned ahead of Russian personnel.
Commentators described this as reflecting a shift from the previous model of external patronage toward the restoration of Syrian initiative and control over state institutions. The phrase “Syria today versus Syria yesterday” circulated widely on social media, underscoring the contrast between the two political eras.
Observers believe the issue involves not only symbolism but also broader arrangements referred to as the “al-Sharaa–Putin deal.” They reportedly provide for restructuring Russia’s military presence, possible rearmament of the Syrian army based on a national defense concept, resolving the issue of representatives of the ousted regime who are in Russia, and formalizing any foreign presence through special agreements guaranteeing Syria’s sovereignty.
According to the arrangements reached, civilian facilities—including Hmeimim Airport and the fourth commercial berth at the port of Tartus—are to be placed under the control of the Syrian state and gradually integrated into civilian infrastructure. The military status of the Russian bases is expected to be replaced with a format involving joint training and instruction centers, with no more than three months allocated for completing the transformation. Syrian analysts describe the arrangements as the result of 18 months of diplomatic and strategic efforts to change the nature of relations with Russia.
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What is the strategic significance of Hmeimim Air Base and the port of Tartus for Russia and Syria, and why is control over these facilities particularly important for Syrian sovereignty? — Hmeimim provides Russia with an air foothold in the Eastern Mediterranean and logistical support for operations, while Tartus offers naval infrastructure and access to the region. For Syria, these facilities are important both as a symbol and as an instrument of control over strategic territory: the presence of foreign armed forces must be based on the consent of the Syrian state, meaning their status is directly linked to issues of sovereignty, jurisdiction, and control over the country’s borders.
What would the transition of Russian military facilities into joint training centers mean in practice? Would Russia retain a permanent military presence, and what powers would the Syrian side receive? — Such a format generally means reducing or changing the nature of Russia’s presence, but not necessarily withdrawing it completely. Russia may retain personnel, instructors, and limited infrastructure if this is provided for in the agreement. The Syrian side would likely receive greater formal authority over security, access, and administrative control, although the actual conditions depend on the text of the arrangements between Damascus and Moscow.
Who exactly is being referred to as representatives of the ousted regime in Russia, and how could their status be connected to the arrangements between Damascus and Moscow? — This usually refers to former senior officials, military personnel, and security officers associated with Bashar al-Assad’s government who left for Russia after its fall. Their status could form part of a political bargaining process: Moscow may seek guarantees for them, including protection from extradition or prosecution, while Damascus may link such guarantees to a revision of military agreements, access to the bases, and the terms of Russia’s future presence.
Full version: From al-Shaibani’s image to Assad being stopped in 2017: Hmeimim comparisons dominate social media