:format(webp)/nginx/o/2025/10/15/17213226t1h7eb3.jpg)
Syrian President Ahmad al-Shar’a Meets Putin in Moscow, Pledges Renewed Ties
Moscow, russia – October 15, 2025 – Syrian President Ahmad al-Shar’a met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin today, signaling a formal recognition of the new Syrian government by Moscow. The meeting follows the overthrow of longtime Syrian president Bashar al-assad in December by rebel forces under al-Shar’a, after which assad sought refuge in russia.
During the meeting, al-Shar’a stated, “Today, in the new Syria, we are renewing ties with all nations, especially russia. We respect our shared history adn past agreements, and we aim to redefine these relations based on Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and stability.”
Putin affirmed that moscow’s relationship with Damascus has “always been guided by the Syrian people’s interests” and characterized it as historically friendly. Al-Shar’a also confirmed that Syrian authorities would honor all previous agreements reached with Russia.
the Kremlin released a video showcasing the initial moments of the meeting between the two leaders.
Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov indicated prior to the meeting that discussions would include the status of Russian military bases in Syria, established during the Assad regime. While Russia has reduced its military presence, bases in Hmeimima and the Tartus port remain operational.
Reports from Reuters and several Arab media outlets suggest that al-Shar’a may formally request the extradition of Bashar al-Assad during his visit.
Russia intervened in the Syrian civil war in 2015, officially to combat the Islamic State terrorist organization. Though, Russian airstrikes also targeted rebel groups not affiliated with ISIS.
