To facilitate its withdrawal from the Syrian Arab Republic, Russia has deployed a caravan of military transport aircraft, carrying troops, weapons, and military equipment, reports the Main Itelligence Directorate of Ukraine.
From the Khmeimim airbase, several Antonov An-124 and Il-76MD planes are set to transport troops and resources to airfields in Ulyanovsk, Chkalovsky, and Privolzhsky.
Additionally, Russia has mobilized naval assets. In Baltiysk, preparations have been made for the cargo ship Sparta II and the large landing ship Aleksandr Shabalin to leave for Tartus.
Northern fleet landing ships Aleksandr Otrakovskiy and Ivan Gren are already heading toward the Mediterranean Sea.
The operation, dubbed the Syrian Withdrawal Operation, also involves Russian frigates Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Golovko.
At Tartus port, Russian forces are conducting emergency dismantling of military equipment and supplies. Several hundred Russian special forces soldiers have already arrived to ensure the safe withdrawal.
It appears that Russia is banking on negotiations with anti-government factions to allow a safe and unimpeded exit from Syria. Even members of Moscow's diplomatic corps have shifted their rhetoric, refraining from referring to the anti-Assad insurgents as "terrorists" and instead adopting a more neutral or conciliatory tone.
Meanwhile, frustration and demoralization persist among the remaining Russian troops in Syria. Reports indicate growing discontent with Russian leadership and command decisions, particularly their organizational ineptitude. One Russian military base remains under siege amid these struggles.
