Russia seeks to strengthen ties with Syria's new leadership
By kevinhughes // 2025-10-21
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  • Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Kremlin, marking the first official visit by a Syrian head of state since Bashar al-Assad's fall. Putin framed Russia's engagement as historically consistent, not tied to Assad.
  • Moscow aims to retain its military bases (Khmeimim Airbase and Tartus naval facility) in Syria – critical for projecting power in the Mediterranean and countering Western influence – despite Assad's ouster.
  • Al-Sharaa acknowledged Syria's reliance on Russian support, particularly in energy and infrastructure, while seeking to redefine bilateral relations under new leadership.
  • Russia, once Assad's staunch ally, now engages pragmatically with Syria's interim government by offering postwar reconstruction aid in energy, transport and healthcare amid ongoing regional instability.
  • The meeting underscores Russia's adaptive strategy to maintain influence in Syria, reshaping alliances post-civil war while balancing regional tensions and securing long-term strategic interests.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Kremlin on Oct. 15, marking the first official visit by a Syrian head of state since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime late last year. The meeting underscores Moscow's efforts to maintain influence in Syria while navigating a delicate diplomatic shift following years of military and political support for the ousted dictator. Putin emphasized the long-standing relationship between the two nations. "Throughout these decades, we have always been guided by one thing – the interests of the Syrian people," he said. Despite Russia's past backing of Assad, Putin sought to frame Moscow's engagement as historically consistent rather than tied to any single leader. Al-Sharaa, formerly the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under the alias Abu Mohammad al-Julani, acknowledged Syria's continued reliance on Russian support, particularly in energy and infrastructure. "Part of Syria's food supply and many power plants depend on Russia," al-Sharaa said during the meeting. "We are trying to redefine the nature of our relations with it, while respecting all past agreements between the countries."

Russia's strategic interests in Syria

Russia's military presence in Syria, anchored by the Khmeimim Airbase and the Tartus naval facility, remains a critical geopolitical asset. Originally secured under a 49-year lease signed with Assad in 2017, Moscow has signaled its intent to retain these bases despite the regime change. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the future of Russian installations was on the agenda, while Syrian officials have indicated openness to continued cooperation – provided it benefits Damascus. For Moscow, maintaining its foothold in Syria is vital for projecting power in the Mediterranean and counterbalancing Western influence in the Middle East. The bases also serve as a strategic outpost amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, Russia's military presence in Syria – which began in September 2015 – holds significant geopolitical, strategic and economic implications. Meanwhile, Syria's interim government sees pragmatic engagement with Moscow as essential for postwar reconstruction. The meeting between Putin and al-Sharaa highlights the complex realignment of alliances following Assad's downfall. Russia, which once deployed scorched-earth tactics to prop up Assad's regime, ultimately granted him asylum after his ouster. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov defended the decision on humanitarian grounds, stating that Assad and his family faced "physical extermination." Despite past hostilities, al-Sharaa struck a conciliatory tone, noting Syria's ongoing dependence on Russian expertise in energy and infrastructure. "We have close relations with Russia, and a large part of the energy sector in Syria depends on Russian expertise," he said in an interview.

Moscow and Damascus: A pragmatic partnership

Russia has already begun positioning itself as a key player in Syria's postwar recovery. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced Moscow's readiness to assist in rebuilding critical sectors including energy, transport and healthcare. Novak told reporters that Russia was ready to provide support and participate in the reconstruction of Syria after years of civil war. However, Syria remains unstable, with recent clashes between Druze minorities and Bedouin tribes sparking violence in the south. Israel also intervened militarily, striking government targets in Damascus before a ceasefire was brokered. Al-Sharaa framed Syria's diplomatic outreach as part of a broader effort to stabilize the country, stating, "We are re-establishing relations with all regional and global countries." The Kremlin's engagement with Syria's new leadership reflects a calculated strategy to preserve Russian influence while adapting to shifting political realities. For Damascus, maintaining ties with Moscow offers economic and security assurances amid ongoing instability. As Putin seeks to expand Russia's Middle Eastern footprint, the outcome of these negotiations will shape not only Syria's future but also the balance of power in a region still reeling from years of conflict. With both sides emphasizing mutual interests, the meeting signals a tentative but significant step toward redefining a relationship forged in war—and now tested by its aftermath. Watch Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying that Russia never supported sanctions against Syria below. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com APNews.com Edition.CNN.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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