Syria announced plans to reorganize Russian military bases and establish new joint training centers for the two nations on Aug. 9. Established during the Soviet period, the sites remain Russia's only military bases outside the former Soviet Union. Military facilities at the bases will be converted into joint training sites ​​and qualification centers "aimed at safeguarding the interests of both countries," SANA reported, citing the Syrian Foreign Ministry. In January 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Moscow to negotiate the future of the bases and the possible transfer of al-Assad to Syria. The visit marked al-Sharaa's second trip to Moscow since the fall of Assad, as Putin sought to strengthen ties with Syria's new leadership in order to retain control over its military bases.