A senior Russian military delegation led by Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov has arrived in Damascus for several days of talks, the Syrian Defense Ministry confirmed. The discussions are focused on strengthening military cooperation between Russia and Syria and follow recent understandings reached during a Moscow visit by Syria’s president Ahmed al-Sharaa, where he was received by Vladimir Putin.

According to Syrian statements, the agenda includes the status of Russia’s bases at Hmeimim and Tartus, the Russian military presence at Qamishli airport, expanded military-technical cooperation, and the use of Syrian airspace.

One key issue under discussion is a Syrian request to deploy a Russian force of between 5,000 and 10,000 personnel in southwestern Syria, near the Israeli border and the Druze region—likely units from Russia’s National Guard. Officials note that Yevkurov has previously visited Syria under the current leadership, underscoring continuity rather than withdrawal.