Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he aims to “restore and redefine” relations with Moscow, describing Russia as a vital partner despite the political upheaval that ousted longtime Kremlin ally Bashar al-Assad.
Syria and Russia “We are trying to restore and redefine in a new way the nature of these relations, ensuring Syria’s independence, sovereignty, territorial unity, and stability,” al-Sharaa said during talks at the Kremlin.
He emphasized that Damascus will uphold all previous agreements with Moscow. “There are bilateral relations and shared interests that bind us with Russia, and we respect all agreements made with it,” he added.
According to Reuters and AFP, Syrian officials said al-Sharaa planned to ask Moscow to hand over al-Assad, though this issue was not mentioned in his televised comments.
Syria and Russia
Syria and Russia, Putin welcomed al-Sharaa warmly, lauding the “special relations” between the two nations and asserting that Russia had always acted in the interests of the Syrian people.
He also praised Syria’s recent parliamentary elections the first since al-Assad’s ouster calling them “a great success” that would strengthen unity among political factions.
“This is a great success for you,” Putin said, “because it consolidates society, and even in difficult times, it will strengthen cooperation between all political forces in Syria.”
Syria and Russia
Despite having been on opposite sides during Syria’s 13-year civil war, the new Syrian leadership has adopted a pragmatic stance toward Moscow. For Damascus, maintaining close ties with Russia is crucial for reconstruction efforts and international legitimacy.
In a recent CBS interview, al-Sharaa said Russia remains essential to Syria’s state infrastructure, especially in energy and food supplies, as well as in maintaining “old strategic interests.”
Meanwhile, Russia continues to operate its air and naval bases along Syria’s coast and hopes to negotiate a long-term deal to retain them. Moscow has also reportedly sent oil shipments to Syria, underscoring its ongoing influence in the country’s recovery.
