After Toppling Assad, Syria’s President Has Traveled To Russia To Meet Putin, Who Helped Assad Stay In Power
Sharaa said he wanted to “restore and redefine” Syria’s relationship with Russia “on the basis of sovereignty and partnership.”
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia, and said Syria will honor all existing agreements with Russia.
Sharaa’s visit on Wednesday, Oct. 15, marks his first official visit to Russia since taking power after he led rebels to topple Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024.
Russia used to be one of Assad’s biggest allies, supplying him with weapons during the 14 years of conflict, and its 2015 military intervention helped Assad retain control of the country.
It also granted Assad and his family asylum after they fled the country, following Assad’s ousting.
Sharaa said he wanted to “restore and redefine” Syria’s relationship with Russia “on the basis of sovereignty and partnership.”
He told Putin his government would honor all existing agreements, but said the relationship should reflect the “new political reality” inside Syria, according to Al Jazeera.
Putin said Russia was committed to “deepening cooperation” with Syria and maintaining its military presence.
He also praised Syria’s recent parliamentary elections, calling them “a great success” that would help unify the country.
The talks also covered food and fuel cooperation as Syria faces record shortages and inflation.
Sharaa was expected to use the meeting to formally request that Russia hand over Assad to face trial over crimes against Syrians, according to Reuters.
Russian and Syrian officials did not confirm whether Sharaa formally requested Assad’s extradition.
Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had said on Monday, Oct. 13, that Russia would continue offering “humanitarian protection” to Assad, according to BBC.
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Cherry Mohamed
Cherry Mohamed
