Middle East states want Russia to maintain presence in Syria: Lavrov
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Russian FM Lavrov says Moscow may redefine its mission in Syria, as both authorities and regional powers favor maintaining a Russian presence.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov gestures while speaking at an opening ceremony of the school year beginning in Moscow State University for Foreign Relations, in Moscow, Russia, September 8, 2025 (AP)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that several Middle Eastern nations, along with Syria’s transitional authorities, are interested in Russia maintaining its presence in Syria, though the nature of Moscow’s mission there must be reconsidered.
Russia’s evolving role in Syria
In an interview with the Bridges to the East project, Lavrov stated that President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that Russia’s presence in Syria will continue only as long as it aligns with the will of the Syrian leadership.
“President Putin has repeatedly stated that we will not remain contrary to the will of the Syrian leadership, but it appears the Syrian leadership, along with a number of countries in the region, are interested in maintaining our presence there,” Lavrov explained.
“This is certainly no longer a presence to militarily support the legitimate authorities... We need to reconsider our functions,” he added, signaling a shift in Russia’s role from active combat support to political and security stabilization.
Longstanding partnership
Lavrov emphasized that Russia and Syria share a history of close cooperation dating back to the Soviet era, describing the relationship as one grounded in “decades of friendship and shared regional interests.”
The top diplomat also suggested that Moscow’s continued presence could play a stabilizing role amid ongoing regional uncertainties, particularly as external actors continue to compete for influence in Syria.
Read more: Syria's new leadership asserts strategic alliance with Russia
Syria’s transitional phase
The comments come amid an ongoing political transition, following major developments that have transformed Syria.
On December 8, 2024, armed opposition forces took control of Damascus, prompting then-President Bashar al-Assad to step down and leave the country. In January 2025, Ahmad al-Sharaa — formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani — was declared transitional president, pledging major reforms in the country.
Russia, which maintains military bases in Latakia and Tartus, has continued to coordinate with Syrian authorities and regional partners during the transitional period. Al-Sharaa has also revealed that his forces opened communication channels with Russian authorities in Syria in late 2024.
Read more: Russia, Syria in talks to expand role of military bases
New historic phase
Earlier in September, talks between the two sides culminated in the announcement of a "new historic phase" in bilateral relations.
At a joint press conference with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Damascus was committed to "opening new relations with Russia, based on mutual respect."
He added that Syria wanted Russia to remain "a positive partner, one that clearly stands by the unity of the country," and welcomed cooperation in reconstruction, energy, agriculture, and health "on a fair and transparent basis."
Read more: Russia affirms 'new historic phase' in ties with Syria
