Al‑Sharaa and Putin meet to secure Russia’s military presence and strengthen Syria-Russia ties.
MOSCOW, Syria’s President Ahmed al‑Sharaa held high-stakes talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow this week, as both nations navigate a new chapter in their partnership following the 2024 ousting of former Kremlin ally Bashar al‑Assad.
The discussions focused on Russia’s military presence in Syria, a key strategic priority for Moscow. Russian forces have long maintained bases in Latakia and Tartus, giving Russia a crucial foothold in the Middle East. While some troops have recently withdrawn from northern Syria, the Kremlin aims to secure continued access to these pivotal installations.
For President al‑Sharaa, engaging with Moscow is an opportunity to strengthen Syria’s reconstruction and bolster international ties. Officials indicated that both sides are committed to honoring existing agreements while exploring new frameworks for military and economic cooperation.
Putin welcomed al‑Sharaa’s visit, highlighting the “friendly character” of Russo-Syrian relations and praising Damascus’ recent political developments. Observers note that the outcome could reshape regional dynamics, with Syria positioning itself as a key player in Middle Eastern geopolitics while Russia seeks to preserve its strategic influence.
This meeting underscores a pragmatic shift in Syria-Russia relations, as both governments work to balance security, reconstruction, and geopolitical interests in a rapidly changing region.
