Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited Moscow yesterday, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. The talks between the two leaders included the sensitive issue of Russia’s future military presence in Syria. Russian President emphasized his readiness to help the country rebuild its war-battered economy and stated that Russia has supported Syria’s government in its efforts to restore control over its entire territory, including areas controlled by the Kurds.
Since an Islamist group led by Ahmad al-Sharaa overthrew Syria’s longtime leader Bashar al-Assad—who was a close ally of Russia—in December 2024, Moscow has been working to build relations with the new Syrian government. Russia aims to ensure a continued military foothold in the country to bolster its influence in the Middle East. The interim government in Damascus has signalled its readiness to develop ties with Moscow, as it seeks assistance in rebuilding the war-shattered country and diversifying its foreign policy.
