After the end of the counter-terrorist operation in Syria, Russian military bases in this country will remain, but the number of ground forces and military space forces will be reduced, said the first deputy head of the committee on security and defense of the Federation Council Franz Klintsevich. "As a result of previous agreements, Russia's military bases in Syria will remain, and that is what President Bashar Assad meant when he spoke about guarantees of non-interference and stability in the country," Klintsevich told Interfax, commenting on the results of the meeting of Russian presidents in Sochi and Syria of Vladimir Putin and Bashar Assad. "The number of forces and assets will be determined according to the situation. This decision will be made by the country's leadership, but I do not doubt that our forces and resources will remain there and will provide support, including in possible local hotbeds of tension, "the senator stressed.. "However, the intensive military campaign in Syria, probably, will not be, because by the end of the year this problem will be solved," - said Klintsevich. He predicts a reduction in the "land component and, perhaps, VCS". According to Klintsevich, at military bases of the Russian Federation in Syria, "the construction of infrastructure for military personnel and their families, including schools and kindergartens". "This is an important sign that indicates the end of the war," - said the senator.

Klintsevich also added that the current president of Syria, Bashar Assad, has all chances to retain power in the country as a result of the process of political settlement. "Recently, Assad has gained serious authority among various political forces in Syria, demonstrated the ability to negotiate, a constructive approach to solving complex problems," the senator said.. At the same time, he reiterated Moscow's position that "the fate of Assad should be decided by the Syrian people themselves".