Russia is exploring ways to secure its military presence in Syria amid political changes. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, interim President Ahmed Al-Sara wants to renegotiate the terms of Russia’s military presence.

During a meeting in Damascus with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, Al-Sara demanded compensation for wartime destruction and the cancellation of Syria’s existing debt to Russia.

For years, Russia’s Hmeimim Airbase was a strategic launch point for airstrikes against Islamist insurgents. However, with Assad gone, the future of Russia’s key military bases in Syria is now uncertain and depends on negotiations with the interim government.

Diplomatic sources reveal that during the three-hour-long meeting, Al-Sara pushed for a review of the 49-year lease agreement signed during Assad’s rule. He also demanded reparations for infrastructure damaged by Russian airstrikes.

Discussions included the possibility of canceling Syria’s $20–23 billion foreign debt, a significant portion of which is owed to Russia. Before the war, Syria had no outstanding foreign debt.

To secure its position, Russia is adopting new strategies. Its UN Ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, emphasized that Moscow’s ties with Damascus are not dependent on any single leader.

Analysts suggest that if Russia wants to maintain strong relations with Syria’s new government, it will have to make concessions.

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United Nations estimates that Syria’s post-war reconstruction will cost around $400 billion. While Al-Sara has demanded compensation, Russia has refused to pay and instead offered humanitarian aid as an alternative.