The Russian Federation maintains troops, aviation, and ships in Syria despite claims of a reduced presence
Kyiv • UNN
A corvette, a tanker, and Su-35 fighter jets remain at the bases in Tartus and Khmeimim. Moscow is attempting to maintain influence through new agreements with Damascus.
As of April 2026, Russia continues to maintain a military presence in Syria, specifically at the Tartus and Hmeimim bases, despite a partial withdrawal of equipment. This was reported by Defense Express, according to UNN.
Details
According to available data, at the end of 2025, the Russian Federation managed to withdraw S-300 and S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as "Bastion" coastal defense systems from Syria, likely redeploying them to Libya to territories controlled by Khalifa Haftar's forces. At the same time, a complete withdrawal of the military presence has not occurred.
Russian forces continue to be stationed at key facilities. According to satellite data, at least two ships remained in the port of Tartus in April — the corvette "Stoiky" and the tanker "Yelnya." At the Hmeimim airbase, according to the latest available estimates, Su-24M and Su-35S combat aircraft, as well as transport aviation, could still remain.
In parallel, Moscow is trying to maintain influence in Syria through new agreements with the authorities, including considering the option of joint use of the Hmeimim base as a training center. This is happening against the backdrop of a rapprochement between Damascus, Turkey, and the United States, which complicates Russia's position in the region.