The leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist group, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, has indicated that a relationship between Syria and Russia is possible, provided Moscow takes steps to facilitate such ties.
In an interview broadcast on Saturday by the Istanbul-based Syria TV channel, al-Julani remarked that “the Syrian leadership was keen to avoid provoking Russia.”
The situation in Syria worsened during a two-week period in November when HTS-led militants launched an offensive against government forces, capturing major cities and eventually reaching Damascus. Following the collapse of the Syrian military, President Bashar al-Assad fled the country and sought asylum in Russia.
Al-Julani further stated that the new Syrian government is open to allowing Russia to “re-evaluate its relationship with Syria in a way that serves mutual interests.” He stressed that managing this transition would require “careful diplomacy” with other nations.
Discussions are reportedly underway between Moscow and the Syrian militants regarding Russia’s continued presence in the country and the maintenance of its prior status, according to sources cited by TASS. The agency reported on Friday that Moscow had secured temporary security guarantees, ensuring its military bases remain operational.
The Khmeimim Air Base and a logistics support center in Tartus, both located along Syria’s Mediterranean coast, are key Russian military assets. In 2017, Moscow and Damascus agreed to extend the deployment of Russian forces at these facilities for 49 years.
However, the takeover of Damascus by militant groups cast uncertainty over the future of these bases. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has since confirmed that Russian diplomats have engaged in discussions with the HTS political committee to address the matter.
