Damascus Issues Ultimatum to Moscow: Russia Must Pay for the Past

During a visit to Damascus, the new Syrian authorities demanded that Russia acknowledge 'past mistakes' and provide compensation. These topics were discussed during the visit of the Russian delegation to Damascus—the first since the change in the country's leadership, reports NewsBox.

During the Russian delegation's visit to Damascus, representatives of the new Syrian leadership insisted that Moscow officially acknowledge 'past mistakes' and provide compensations. This was stated in an official declaration by Syrian authorities following the negotiations.

The document notes that one of the key topics of the talks was the necessity to 'restore trust in Russia among the Syrian people'. The Syrian authorities emphasized that this is only possible with concrete steps, such as compensatory payments and assistance in rebuilding the damaged infrastructure.

The exact amount of compensation that Damascus is demanding from Moscow is not specified in the statement.

The head of the Russian delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Mikhail Bogdanov, stated that the negotiations with the Syrian side were 'generally positive', but noted that the situation in the country remains complex and requires further discussion.

It is noteworthy that the Syrian statement does not mention two key Russian military bases in the country, which the Kremlin aims to maintain. According to Bloomberg, the issue of Russia's military presence in Syria has not progressed and remains open for further discussion.

Russian military bases in Syria play a strategic role, providing Moscow with a military foothold in the Middle East and Africa.

Previously, a Bloomberg source reported that negotiations between Moscow and Damascus regarding the retention of Russian bases had reached an impasse. Ankara, which supported rebel forces during the offensive on Damascus that led to Bashar Assad's ousting, is categorically opposed to further Russian military presence in the region.

Additional data confirm that Russia has begun evacuating military equipment from Syria. Satellite images published by 'Radio Liberty' have captured active loading operations in the port of Tartus.