Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa Seeks to Revive Ties with Russia

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa has told Russia's President Vladimir Putin that he seeks to "restore and redefine ties" with Moscow, a key ally of ousted longtime Kremlin ally Bashar al-Assad. Al-Sharaa's visit to Moscow marks his first state visit to the country, where al-Assad has been in exile for 10 months. The Syrian leader emphasized the importance of independent Syria, sovereign Syria, and its territorial unity and integrity.

Key Takeaways:

• Al-Sharaa plans to use the meeting with Putin to request the handover of al-Assad, as reported by Syrian officials.
• The Syrian leader aims to restore and redefine the nature of relations with Russia, ensuring independence and sovereign statehood for Syria.
• Damascus has maintained ties with Moscow despite being on opposite sides of the battle lines of Syria's 13-year civil war.
• Al-Sharaa has praised Russia's close and longstanding relations with Syria, citing energy, food, and strategic interests.
• Russia has retained a presence at its air and naval bases on the Syrian coast and has sent oil shipments to Syria.

Statistics:

• Al-Assad has been in exile in Russia for 10 months.
• The Syrian government has declared the results of the first parliamentary poll, which was held since al-Assad's overthrow.
• The poll has led to the consolidation of society and strengthened ties between all political forces in Syria, according to Putin.
• Syria depends partly on Russian supplies for energy and food.
• Russia has sent oil shipments to Syria.

Sources:

• Al Jazeera, "What happened in Syria? Has al-Assad really fallen?" (December 8, 2024)
• Al Jazeera, "Syria's al-Sharaa to meet Russia's Putin in Moscow on Wednesday" (October 14, 2025)
• Al Jazeera, "Syria declares results of 1st parliamentary poll amid inclusivity concerns" (October 6, 2025)
• Al Jazeera, "In his first UN speech, Syria's al-Sharaa urges end to all sanctions" (September 24, 2025)