What will happen to Russian soldiers in Syria? Putin's spokesman said

 

No final decisions have been made on Russian military bases in Syria, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Tartus naval base

Syrians have been expressing their suffering since Assad fled to Russia.

Last week, Russian diplomats told the media that a complete Russian withdrawal from Syria, including the Tartus naval base and the Khmeimim air base, is possible.

Russia's Foreign Ministry also said earlier that it was in contact with anti-Assad rebels and had received security guarantees.

Final decisions

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov spoke to reporters about the status of Russian military bases there.

"There are no final decisions on this. We are in contact with representatives of the forces that currently control the situation in the country," he said.

The Tartus naval base and Khmeimim air base are Russia’s only military outposts outside the former Soviet Union, and are crucial to the Kremlin’s operations in Africa and the Middle East.

But the ouster of Russia’s longtime ally, Assad, in a shock rebel offensive has reportedly cast doubt on their future.