Germany Urges Russia to Withdraw from Syrian Military Bases

In a recent statement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova responded to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's call for the withdrawal of Russian military bases from Syria. Zakharova suggested that Baerbock should instead focus on the presence of U.S. military installations in Germany during her remarks made on her Telegram channel.

Baerbock's comments came after her visit to Damascus, where she and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot marked the first visit by EU ministers to Syria since the ousting of President Bashar Assad. The German foreign minister's visit aimed to counteract the influence of Russia and China in the region, according to reports from German media.

The dynamics in Syria have changed significantly following an offensive by militant groups, primarily the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led to a rapid decline in the Assad government's control, forcing the president to take refuge in Moscow. Russia has been a staunch ally of Assad since 2015, assisting the Syrian government in combating terrorism, and has established military bases in the country through agreements signed in 2017.

These agreements include a long-term leasing of the Tartus naval base and Khmeimim airbase, solidifying Russia's military footprint in the region. Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, the leader of HTS, acknowledged that maintaining good relations with Russia is vital for Damascus, labeling it as the "second most powerful country in the world."

During recent discussions, Russian UN envoy Vassily Nebenzia noted that the new authorities in Syria expressed a desire to preserve their relationship with Moscow and its military presence. This sentiment was echoed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who emphasized the need for careful consideration regarding the future of Russia's military presence in Syria and its evolving relations with the current political leaders.

As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the implications of foreign military involvement remain a focal point of international relations discussions, particularly concerning the balance of power in the region.