Russian Defense Minister: Time of Russia’s withdrawal from Syria depends on situation
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu said that the Russian military has already begun to return from Syria, RIA Novosti reports.
The minister was not able to mention a specific date when all forces would be withdrawn. According to him, this will “depend on the situation”.
Earlier on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Khmeimim airbase in Syria, where he gave the order to begin withdrawing Russian forces from their permanent stationing points in Syria. He also met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Chairperson of the Federation Council on defense and security Viktor Bondarev said that Russia intends to significantly reduce its military presence in the Syrian Arab Republic. He noted that Russia’s air base will remain in Khmeimim, including “bombers, fighters, assault aircraft, and army aircraft” as well as anti-missile defenses.