What's happened
On October 15-16, 2025, Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa visited Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks focused on redefining bilateral relations, Russia's military bases in Syria, economic cooperation, and the extradition of ousted leader Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia after being toppled in December 2024. Both sides expressed pragmatic intent amid complex historical ties.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Recalibration in Syrian-Russian Relations
The meeting between Ahmad al-Sharaa and Vladimir Putin marks a pivotal moment in Syria's post-Assad era, signaling a pragmatic recalibration of ties rather than a complete rupture. Despite Russia's prior staunch support for Assad, the new Syrian leadership is navigating a complex path to assert sovereignty while maintaining critical Russian support.
Key Dynamics at Play
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Extradition of Assad: Sharaa's formal request for Assad's extradition underscores a demand for transitional justice and accountability, yet Russia's refusal to comply highlights Moscow's protective stance, citing humanitarian grounds.
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Military Presence: Russia's desire to retain its naval and air bases reflects its strategic foothold in the Middle East. Syria's willingness to negotiate terms indicates a shift from patronage to partnership, with Moscow seeking to preserve influence amid its own geopolitical constraints.
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Economic and Political Cooperation: Both sides aim to revive joint projects and economic ties, with Syria seeking investment and sanctions relief, while Russia looks to maintain regional leverage.
Broader Implications
This diplomatic engagement illustrates Syria's attempt to diversify foreign relations post-Assad, balancing Russian ties with outreach to Gulf states and Western actors. For Russia, maintaining a presence in Syria remains vital despite its focus on Ukraine and international isolation.
Forecast
The relationship will likely remain opportunistic and reactive, shaped by mutual needs rather than ideological alignment. Russia will retain its bases but may face pressure to adapt its role. Syria's leadership will continue leveraging Russian support while pursuing broader international legitimacy and reconstruction aid.
This evolving dynamic will impact regional stability, reconstruction efforts, and the geopolitical balance in the Middle East.
What the papers say
The New Arab provides detailed coverage of the diplomatic nuances, highlighting Sharaa's call for a "reset" in relations and his request for Assad's extradition, noting Russia's cautious response and the strategic importance of military bases (The New Arab, Oct 15-21, 2025). Al Jazeera emphasizes the pragmatic tone of the talks, with Putin praising "special relations" and Sharaa stressing Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also noting the emotional reactions among Syrians due to Russia's wartime role (Al Jazeera, Oct 15-16, 2025). The Times of Israel and The Moscow Times focus on the security dimensions, including Russia's intent to retain its bases and Sharaa's push for Assad's trial, underscoring the delicate balance Moscow seeks to maintain (The Times of Israel, Oct 15, 2025; The Moscow Times, Oct 15, 2025). AP News and Bloomberg report on the broader context of economic and humanitarian cooperation discussed during the visit, reflecting Syria's efforts to rebuild international ties (AP News, Oct 15, 2025; Bloomberg, Oct 14, 2025). These sources collectively illustrate a complex, evolving relationship marked by pragmatic diplomacy amid historical grievances and strategic interests.
How we got here
Russia intervened militarily in Syria in 2015 to support Bashar al-Assad's regime during the civil war. Assad was ousted in December 2024 by forces led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, who now leads Syria's interim government. Russia granted Assad asylum in Moscow. Since then, Syria's new leadership has sought to redefine relations with Russia, balancing sovereignty with Moscow's strategic interests, including its military bases in Tartus and Hmeimim.
Go deeper
- What is the future of Russia's military bases in Syria?
- Why is Syria requesting Bashar al-Assad's extradition from Russia?
- How will Syria's new leadership balance relations with Russia and other powers?
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More on these topics
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Bashar Hafez al-Assad is a Syrian politician who has been the President of Syria since 17 July 2000. In addition, he is commander-in-chief of the Syrian Armed Forces and Regional Secretary of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party's branch in Syria.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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Damascus; Arabic: دمشق, romanized: Dimašq, Syrian Arabic: is the capital of Syria; it is also the country's largest city, following the decline in population of Aleppo due to the battle for the city.