The Kremlin has confirmed it has been in contact with the new authorities in Syria following the recent overthrow of former president, Bashar Assad. During a press briefing on Wednesday, spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the importance of communicating with those currently in charge in Damascus, noting the presence of Russian personnel and assets in the country.
“Of course, we cannot avoid contacting those who control the situation on the ground because we have our facilities and our people there first and foremost,” Peskov stated.
When asked about the number of Russian military personnel still stationed in Syria, the spokesman declined to provide specifics, indicating that such information could only be disclosed by military officials.
Russian military forces are present in Syria at Khmeimim Air Base and a logistics support center in Tartus, in the western part of the country along the Mediterranean coast. After Assad was deposed and left the country, sources told Russian media that opposition forces had pledged to respect Russian military installations and diplomatic missions within Syria.
Peskov reiterated that Russia is maintaining dialogue with all Middle East states and suggested that recent Israeli strikes around the Golan Heights and in buffer zones could exacerbate an already unstable situation in Syria. He also expressed a desire for a rapid stabilization in the region and steps toward a legitimate resolution of the conflict.
“There was a time when Russia helped the Syrian Arab Republic cope with terrorists and assisted in stabilizing the situation that threatened the entire region; a lot of effort was spent on it. Russia fulfilled its mission,” Peskov remarked. He added, “And then the leadership of Assad worked in the country, focusing on developing the country. But, unfortunately, the development has led to the situation we have now. And now we need to base our actions on the realities that exist at this moment on the ground.”
Opposition forces led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Free Syrian Army took control of Damascus over the weekend, prompting Assad to flee. Syria’s former president was granted asylum in Russia.