Russia Faces Strategic Setback as Assad Regime Collapses in Syria

The fall of Assad threatens Russia's military foothold in the Mediterranean, with uncertainty over the future of its naval and air bases in Syria.

Russia's naval ships have left the Tartus base in Syria, raising questions about the future of its only Mediterranean military facility.
The Tartus base, established in the 1970s, has been critical for Russian naval operations and power projection in the region.
Kremlin officials are negotiating with Syria's new rulers to secure continued access to the Tartus and Khmeimim bases, though no agreements have been finalized.
Analysts suggest potential relocation options, such as Libya or Sudan, but these lack the infrastructure and strategic value of Syria's bases.
The loss of these bases would diminish Russia's influence in the Middle East and Mediterranean, further straining its global military reach.