Damascus’s transitional government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has signaled a willingness to restore Russian military police patrols in southern Syria. A move aimed at reining in Israeli operations in the strategically sensitive region. According to a report in Russia’s Kommersant, officials presented the proposal during an August 1 meeting between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and members of the diaspora in Moscow, noting that returning Russian forces could serve as a buffer to limit Israeli military activity and potentially position Moscow as a mediator between Damascus and Tel Aviv.
This overture unfolds against a backdrop of extensive restructuring between the new Syrian government and Moscow. Since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, negotiations have been underway over Russia’s continued basing rights at the Khmeimim air base and Tartus naval facility, centuries-old pillars of Russian strategic presence. While the interim leadership has not issued a final stance, it has floated allowing Russia to retain its bases in exchange for tangible benefits, with Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra citing a marked improvement in Russia’s stance toward the new regime.
Moscow has been pragmatic as well: President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed support for Syria’s sovereignty and pledged “practical cooperation” during a phone call with al-Sharaa in March, and expressed readiness to assist with reconstruction efforts, underscoring continuity between the two states amid regime change. At the same time, Russia is acutely aware of shifting power dynamics, particularly as Damascus strengthens ties with the West. Analysts note this pragmatic pivot could render Moscow’s foothold increasingly precarious unless offset by strong diplomatic or economic carrots.
Russia’s presence in southern Syria has long served overlapping functions: it enforces ceasefires along the Golan Heights, coordinates deconfliction with Israel, and projects influence in a volatile neighborhood. By resuming patrols, the transitional government hopes both to legitimise its authority in the region and invite Moscow back into a more active diplomatic role, appealing both to security interests and to external balancing strategies.
