World
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will meet Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday, as Russia seeks to secure its military bases in Syria.
The Kremlin has remained influential in the region despite losing sway since Assad’s ouster in 2024. Putin’s influence waned following Assad’s departure, prompting him to maintain a foothold through his remaining military outposts: Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base on Syria’s Mediterranean coast.
Putin and Sharaa struck a conciliatory tone during their previous meeting in October, marking their first since al-Sharaa’s rebel forces toppled Assad. However, the thorny issue of Russia continuing to shelter Assad and his wife remains a point of contention for al-Sharaa.
The Syrian leader has embraced U.S. President Donald Trump, who praised him as “highly respected” in a recent statement. Despite this diplomatic outreach, both the United States and Europe have expressed concern over an offensive launched by Damascus against Kurdish forces in Syria’s northeast. This offensive could potentially lead to the resurgence of Islamic State forces held captive in Kurdish-held prisons.
In light of these developments, Russia is planning to discuss bilateral relations and prospects for future cooperation with al-Sharaa at their upcoming meeting.