Russian Troops in Syria Face Food and Water Shortages Amid Ongoing Withdrawal

Russian military personnel remaining in Syria are reportedly facing severe shortages of food and drinking water, as their evacuation continues, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry (GUR). This dire situation is unfolding at Russian military bases in Tartus and Hmeimim, as well as on Russian ships anchored offshore in the Mediterranean Sea.

The GUR's statement, released on Telegram on December 15, highlights the challenges Russian troops are enduring while awaiting military transport planes that were scheduled to deliver necessary supplies. The Russian evacuation effort is underway, particularly from more remote areas of Syria, though the situation remains tense with some routes being escorted by armed groups opposed to the Assad regime.

Rumors circulating among Russian personnel suggest that Moscow may continue to maintain a presence at its two key bases in Syria, with up to 3,000 soldiers stationed at Hmeimim and Tartus. However, these reports remain unverified, as Russian authorities have not issued an official comment.

On December 15, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that part of its diplomatic staff was evacuated from Syria via a special flight from the Hmeimim air base. Transport planes have been seen departing from the base, further signaling Russia's strategic withdrawal in light of recent political developments in Syria.

The withdrawal follows the sudden collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which fell after an offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Assad has since fled to Russia, which had been his primary supporter throughout the civil war. Satellite images taken on December 13 by Maxar Technologies show Russian cargo planes preparing for the evacuation of military equipment from Hmeimim.

Additionally, Russia has dispatched several landing ships and civilian vessels to Syria as part of its pullout operation.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussing the situation in Syria with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and officials from the European Union, Arab League, and United Nations. Blinken emphasized the need for an inclusive political transition that respects minority and women's rights while preventing the rise of terrorist groups in Syria.