Russian President Al-Sharaa Meets with Putin Over Syrian Military Bases

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow on Wednesday as part of efforts to secure a continued Russian military presence in Syria.

According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the talks will focus on the “presence of our soldiers in Syria”, who are stationed at the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base. The two countries have been working to build relations since al-Sharaa’s rebel forces toppled former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Russia has maintained a military presence in Syria, with its forces located at the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base. However, it is reported that Russia withdrew its forces from the Qamishli airport in Kurdish-held northeast Syria earlier this week.

The Kremlin has been seeking to ensure its continued influence in the Middle East through its military presence in Syria. Putin’s backing of al-Assad with extensive military support has allowed Moscow to maintain a significant presence at its air and naval bases.

Al-Sharaa’s government has taken a pragmatic approach to relations with Russia, allowing Moscow to retain its military outposts in Syria. However, the issue of al-Assad’s extradition remains a point of contention between the two leaders.

The meeting comes as Putin seeks to maintain his country’s presence in Syria following recent developments, including the US sending special forces to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Source: Al Jazeera