Russia's lower house of parliament has ratified a treaty with Syria which allows the indefinite deployment of the Russian military. The ratification formalizes Russia's military presence at the Hemeimeem air base in the province of Latakia. It allows Russia to use the base free of charge.

Earlier Deputy Defence Minister Nikolai Pankov urged lawmakers to support the deal. Pankov also told parliament that the military was considering the possibility of returning to bases in Vietnam and Cuba.