Syria's Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Moscow this week for his first official visit since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime late last year, signaling a potential and complex reset in the long-standing relationship between the two nations. The visit, which included a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, is overshadowed by the continued presence of the ousted former president in Russia and the critical question of Moscow’s future military footprint in Syria.
The new Syrian leadership is actively working to redefine its relationship with its powerful ally, a necessity given Russia’s unwavering support for the previous regime. Sharaa described his visit as “very important,” telling his Russian counterpart, “We are working to redefine the nature of relations with Russia.” This sentiment comes as Russia attempts to maintain its strategic military presence in the country. Reports suggest that Sharaa may even formally request the handover of the ousted Bashar al-Assad, who was granted asylum by the Kremlin after his regime’s collapse. This delicate diplomatic dance, where the new Syrian leader seeks to recalibrate ties while navigating the political reality of Russia shielding his predecessor, was detailed in a recent report by Al-Monitor. The publication noted that the fate of Russia’s military bases in post-Assad Syria is also a key issue expected to be addressed during the high-level talks.
During their meeting, President Putin praised the “friendly relations” between Russia and Syria, emphasizing that these ties have always been guided by the interests of the Syrian people, not by political circumstances or special interests. This statement marks a significant shift in rhetoric, as Putin was previously a staunch ally of Assad, providing crucial political and military support, including a formal military intervention in 2015 that helped Assad regain significant territory during the civil war. Putin also commended the recent parliamentary elections in Syria, describing the process as “a great success and a step toward the consolidation of society.” He affirmed Russia’s readiness to engage with the new Syrian government through their respective foreign ministries.
The issue of Russia’s military presence remains a central point of discussion. Moscow maintains three official military outposts in Syria, including the Tartous naval base, which provides its sole access to the strategic Mediterranean Sea, and the Hmeimim Air Base. These bases are vital for projecting Russian influence across the Middle East and into Africa. Following Assad’s fall, there were initial concerns in Moscow about its role, with some Russian military personnel and equipment seen evacuating. However, recent movements suggest a commitment to maintaining the presence. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently told journalists that Syria is interested in maintaining the Russian military bases, though they may be "repurposed" given the new reality on the ground. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has documented large Russian military reinforcements arriving at the Hmeimim base, suggesting efforts to beef up their strategic presence.
The potential request for Assad’s extradition adds a layer of tension to the talks. Ahead of the visit, reports emerged that Sharaa plans to formally request Assad’s handover for trial over alleged crimes. Assad and his family fled to Moscow in December 2024. Sharaa, who led the rebel group that toppled the regime, has stated his government will pursue all legal means to bring Assad to justice while avoiding conflict with Russia. Lavrov, however, has stressed that Moscow granted Assad asylum on humanitarian grounds, as "he and his family faced physical extermination." The complexity of this situation underscores the challenging path ahead for the new Syrian-Russian relationship.
Photo: BBC