Syria’s interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led a rapid rebel campaign last year that removed former President Bashar Assad, arrived in Russia on Wednesday for his first visit.
Al-Sharaa is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin to “discuss the current condition and prospects for Russian-Syrian ties in trade, economy, and humanitarian matters, as well as recent Middle East developments,” the Kremlin said. The meeting highlights Moscow’s interest in engaging with Syria’s new leadership and maintaining its military presence in the country.
Assad, a longtime Russian ally, was supported by Moscow during the civil war, which allowed him to stay in power until his removal in December. Russia, focused on the Ukraine conflict, did not intervene against the rebel offensive but offered Assad asylum after he fled.
According to Syrian state news agency SANA, al-Sharaa and Putin will also explore ways to strengthen cooperation in regional and international matters of mutual interest. In a recent CBS “60 Minutes” interview, al-Sharaa said Syria’s current authorities “will use all available legal means” to seek Assad’s trial.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow granted asylum to Assad on humanitarian grounds, rejecting rumors of poisoning and confirming that Assad has lived safely in Russia.
Despite being on opposing sides during the war, Syria’s new rulers are taking a pragmatic approach toward Russia. Moscow continues to maintain air and naval bases on the Syrian coast and has supplied oil to the country. Russian and Syrian officials have met several times this year, reflecting ongoing strategic and economic ties, with al-Sharaa noting Syria’s reliance on Russian energy and food supplies.
