OR Russia is expected to maintain a reduced military presence in Syriaachieving a key goal of Russian President Vladimir Putin after the fall of Bashar al -Assad, according to Bloomberg agency citing sources with knowledge of the issue.

According to anonymous sources from the international agency, Moscow is close to agreeing with the new Syrian leadership, which would allow Moscow to maintain some staff and equipment in the country.

One of the sources said Russia hopes to maintain the same naval and air bases it had in Syria before Ahmed al -Sarah uprising overthrew Bashar al -Assad.

Bloomberg notes that no agreement is guaranteed, but telephone communication between Putin and Sarah on Wednesday shows that there is a momentum. It is also a sign that Moscow improves its relationship with the new Syrian leaders.

Moscow could help in the fight against the Islamic State, which is taking place in eastern Syria, sources said. Russia’s presence could also help Syrian leaders offset Turkey’s growing influence, one of the sources said.

Many European officials longed for the departure of Russian forces from Syria. Others, especially in southern Europe, were worried that Russia could resume Libya again if it lost its naval and air bases in Syria.

Following the fall of Assad, various forces seek influence in Syria. Iran and Russia, the main supporters of the former leader of the country, saw their influence decrease. But Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have created strong links with Al-Sara.

Ankara supports the friendly forces in the north and considers the possibility of constructing military bases in the area, while Doha and Riyadh will probably finance part of the rebuilding of the country -damaged country.

Israel, meanwhile, is wary of the new Syrian government due to its Islamist roots and wants to maintain its troops beyond a demilitarized neutral zone between the two countries.