Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister and former head of Ingushetia, Yunus‑Bek Yevkurov, has led a senior military delegation to Damascus for talks with Syria’s transitional government, in what is reported to be the first visit by Russian Defence Ministry officials since the fall of Bashar al‑Assad and the change of government at the end of 2024. The visit underscores Moscow’s determination to retain its military footprint in a radically altered Syrian political landscape.
According to OC‑Media, Yevkurov met Syria’s new Defence Minister, Murhaf Abu Kasra, to discuss military cooperation and the “strengthening of coordination mechanisms in the interests of both countries and in accordance with the aspirations of the two states.” The high‑level meeting signals that Russia aims to quickly redefine its role and influence under the transitional authorities while preserving key strategic gains won during years of backing the previous regime.
Pro‑Kremlin outlet Tsargrad described Yevkurov’s mission as a “zugzwang” — a delicate maneuver to balance Russian interests with the demands of the new Syrian leadership and secure permission for Russia’s forces to remain. Syria has long been a pivotal platform for Russian operations into Africa and a critical strategic position in relation to Israel, Iran, and the United States, Tsargrad noted.
At the heart of the talks are the future of Russia’s Hmeimim airbase and its naval facility in Tartus. Abu Kasra has stated that Russian bases can stay only if their presence is “beneficial for Syria,” while Russian agency Interfax has reported that the “functionality” of these facilities may be adjusted to align more closely with Syrian interests.
Yevkurov, who resigned as Ingushetia’s head in 2019 amid mass protests over a controversial land deal with Chechnya, was appointed Deputy Defence Minister by Vladimir Putin and promoted to Army General in 2024. He previously oversaw aspects of Russia’s Syrian deployment, including awarding the Suvorov Order to the contingent at Hmeimim in 2023.
Photo: OC Media