Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since assuming power in Syria on October 15.
The meeting marks a significant moment in the political trajectory of the war-torn nation. The high-level talks, which lasted for more than two and a half hours, were held at the Kremlin on October 15. As Syria looks toward reconstruction, Moscow and Washington's support will likely be pivotal in shaping the country's future both militarily and economically.
According to Syrian state's agency SANA, President al-Sharaa’s delegation sought strong guarantees from Moscow that remnants of the former regime's military forces would not be rearmed as part of efforts to rebuild Syria’s military apparatus.
Just before the visit, Reuters reported, citing an informed Syrian official, that al-Sharaa is expected to formally request the extradition of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, currently in exile in Moscow, to stand trial on charges related to crimes committed against the Syrian people.
The Syrian delegation requested Russian assistance in creating a new Syrian army to stabilise the country and reinforce national security. This marked a critical point in Syria’s post-conflict rebuilding efforts.
The Turkish-backed leader proposed the redeployment of Russian police units in parts of Syria, particularly in regions affected by Israeli military violations, in a bid to curb further breaches of Syrian sovereignty. The idea of increased Russian military presence in the area is likely to be a key factor in the future security landscape of Syria.
The Kremlin confirmed that a significant point of discussion was the future of Russia’s military presence in Syria. This included talks on the status of Russia’s key military facilities in the region, including the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia, the Tartus naval base on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, and the Russian presence at Qamishli airport in the northeast.
These military sites are integral to Moscow's strategic interests in the Middle East and its long-term presence in Syria.
On the economic front, al-Sharaa sought direct Russian support in Syria’s recovery, particularly through the resumption of wheat shipments under favourable terms. He also requested compensation for wartime damages, which continue to place a significant strain on Syria’s economy. The ongoing economic challenges, exacerbated by years of civil war, have left Syria in urgent need of international aid and support for rebuilding efforts.
"The bridges of cooperation between Russia and Syria are serious, including economic cooperation," Al-Sharaa said, urging deep partnership between the two nations.
He also reiterated Syria's commitment to respecting all previous agreements, while seeking to redefine these relations in a way that ensures the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"Syria respects all past agreements, and from this historic moment, we aim to renew and define the nature of our relations, ensuring Syrian independence, territorial integrity, and security," al-Sharaa added, stressing the importance of regional and global stability in achieving peace.
During the talks, Putin reaffirmed Russia's "historic diplomatic ties" with Syria, confirming that Russia’s actions have always been motivated by the best interests of the Syrian people.
“Russia has never had relations with Syria based on our own political circumstances or interests. For decades, our goal has always been the welfare of the Syrian people,” Putin said.
Putin further reinforced the special relationship between Russia and Syria, noting that the ties between the two countries have always been "very friendly" and have been built on mutual respect over many years. He also praised Syria's recent parliamentary elections as a “great success,” adding that they would strengthen political ties across the country.
Al-Sharaa also stressed the "historic bonds" that link Syria and Russia, underlining Syria’s desire to deepen bilateral relations further. This marks a renewed commitment from Damascus to fortify ties with Moscow, with a view to gaining further Russian support in rebuilding the country’s war-torn economy and military infrastructure.
The push to rekindle links with Moscow comes as the US earlier removed all sanctions on the country following an executive order from President Donald Trump in July.
"On June 30, the President issued an Executive Order "Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions" that removes US sanctions on Syria, effective July 1, 2025, according to the mailer by OFAC seen by IntelliNews.
The order maintains accountability for Assad's deposed regime and expands the national emergency declared under Executive Order 13894, allowing sanctions to continue against Assad, his associates and other destabilising regional actors who are now in Moscow, Russia.
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