**Syria Cancels Russian Investment Deal**
The port of Tartus in Syria has ended a 49-year investment agreement with Russia’s Stroytransgaz company. This decision was made after the collapse of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which reduced Russia’s influence in the country.
**Background**
Russia had signed a contract to invest at least $500 million in modernizing the Tartus port in 2019. However, with the agreement now void, all revenues from the port will go directly to the Syrian state. The management of the port will also be taken over by local authorities.
**New Developments**
The new Syrian government has blocked a Russian vessel from evacuating military equipment from the Tartus naval base. This move is seen as a further sign that Syria is distancing itself from Russia’s influence.
**Ukraine’s Perspective**
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, discussed Russia’s military presence in Syria during a visit to Damascus. Ukraine and the new Syrian leadership share similar views on this issue, according to Ukrainian officials.
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