Syrian president seeks to redefine ties with Russia during Moscow visit

Wednesday 15 October 2025 - 17:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Syrian president seeks to redefine ties with Russia during Moscow visit

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday, marking his first official trip to Russia since assuming office. This high-stakes meeting comes nearly a year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, when the former Syrian leader fled to Russia.

During discussions at the Kremlin, Sharaa emphasized his desire to reshape the relationship between Damascus and Moscow. “We respect all previous agreements and this great history, and we are trying to restore and redefine in a new way the nature of these relations,” he said. Putin, in turn, praised the historic ties between the two nations, expressing optimism for their continued expansion. He highlighted the over 80-year-long partnership between the countries, describing it as a foundation for future cooperation.

Key topics: military bases and Assad’s extradition

The Syrian delegation, which included Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra, focused on restructuring bilateral relations, particularly regarding Russia’s military presence in Syria. Discussions centered on the future of Russia's Hmeimim air base in Latakia and the naval facility in Tartous. These strategic installations, granted to Russia under open-ended leases by the Assad regime, are now under review. Sharaa’s government has annulled several contracts that gave Moscow sweeping privileges, calling for full Syrian oversight of any continued Russian presence.

The Tartous naval base, Russia’s only Mediterranean port, remains a critical asset for Moscow. Negotiations are expected to determine the terms of its continued use.

Another major issue on the agenda was Sharaa’s push for the extradition of Assad to stand trial in Damascus for crimes committed during his rule. In an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, Sharaa stated that Syrian authorities "will use all available legal means" to pursue Assad’s trial. However, Russia has defended granting asylum to Assad on humanitarian grounds, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserting that the former president and his family faced threats of “physical extermination.”

Assad’s life in Moscow

Bashar al-Assad, now 60 years old, reportedly resides in luxury in a skyscraper in Moscow’s City district. According to reports, he spends his days playing video games in opulent accommodations featuring crystal chandeliers and gold-trimmed furnishings. He lives with his British wife, Asma, who is battling leukemia, and their three children.

A pragmatic approach to rebuilding

Despite their opposing roles during the Syrian civil war, Sharaa’s roots lie in Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a faction that fought against Assad’s Russian-backed forces, the new Syrian leadership is pursuing a pragmatic relationship with Moscow. Sharaa’s administration views Russian support as crucial for rebuilding Syria’s war-torn infrastructure and rearming its military, much of which relies on Russian technology.

Putin underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation, highlighting plans to resume joint projects and reinvigorate the joint committee between the two nations. He praised Syria’s recent parliamentary elections as a “big success” and a step toward uniting the country’s political forces.

The visit represents what Syrian officials have described as a “critical and historic turning point” in relations with Russia, signaling a new phase of collaboration in the post-Assad era.