Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday (28 January), as Russia seeks to preserve its military presence in Syria following recent reports of withdrawals in the northeast.
The visit—Sharaa’s second since taking power after the fall of Bashar al-Assad—comes amid shifting security dynamics and talks over Russia’s remaining bases.
Key developments
• Sharaa was accompanied by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Defence Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra.
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said discussions would include the future of Russia’s military bases.
• Russian forces reportedly recently withdrew from a base in Qamishli, relocating assets to the Hmeimim air base.
• Putin said reintegration of the Euphrates region would support Syria’s territorial integrity.
Russia retains its Tartous naval base and Hmeimim air base, critical to its Mediterranean and regional operations. Sharaa has signalled respect for existing agreements while seeking to redefine ties with Moscow.
ℹ️ FRANCE24, Al-Monitor
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