The withdrawal of Russian forces from remote regions in Syria is ongoing. On several routes, the retreating Russian troops are being shadowed by armed factions of opposition groups.

According to the Main Directorate of Intelligence (MDI), discussions among Russian soldiers suggest that the Kremlin has negotiated the continued operation of its military bases in Tartus and Khmeimim. “This concerns the deployment of up to three thousand personnel,” MDI representatives stated. 

Moreover, Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate significant issues related to drinking water and food supplies at these bases, as well as on Russian naval vessels stationed in Syrian waters. To address these challenges, the remaining units of the occupying forces anticipate deliveries via military transport aircraft as part of evacuation logistics. 

“On December 14, 2024, flights were scheduled, involving two An-124-100 and two Il-76MD planes from Chkalovsk to Khmeimim,” shared the MDI. 

The Current Situation of Russian Forces in Syria

With the collapse of the regime led by Putin's ally, Bashar al-Assad, Russian forces began withdrawing ships from the Tartus naval base and airlifting leftover equipment from Khmeimim. For instance, on December 8, the frigate “Admiral Grigorovich” of the Black Sea Fleet and the cargo vessel “Engineer Trubin” of Russia’s Northern Fleet departed from Tartus for the Mediterranean Sea. 

By December 14, reports from MDI highlighted complaints from Russian troops in Syria regarding the difficulties of evacuation. Russian soldiers are reportedly afraid to travel from Homs Province to the Khmeimim airbase due to concerns about potential attacks en route. 

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