- Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Syria's new President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow for talks on bilateral ties and Middle East issues, marking al-Sharaa's second visit since Assad's ouster.
- Discussions focused on securing Russia's military bases at Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval facility amid troop withdrawals from northeastern Syria.
- Putin continues sheltering exiled Bashar al-Assad in Moscow since his December 2024 flight, despite al-Sharaa's calls for accountability.
- Kremlin confirmed agenda included economic cooperation, reconstruction aid, and regional stability, building on prior October 2025 meeting.
- Meeting signals Russia's pragmatic shift to engage HTS-led government while retaining strategic influence post-Assad regime collapse.
Moscow (Washington Insider Magazine) 28 January 2026 – Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa during his visit to Moscow. The leaders discussed building bilateral ties following the fall of Russia-backed Bashar al-Assad. Putin continues to harbour Assad in Russia, while engaging the new Syrian leadership.
President Vladimir Putin welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the Kremlin for talks aimed at establishing relations between Russia and the new Syrian government. The meeting occurred as Syria transitions following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad, whom Moscow has sheltered since his December 2025 flight from Damascus. Al-Sharaa, formerly a rebel commander, now leads Syria’s interim administration after rebel forces captured the capital.
The two presidents held closed-door discussions at the Kremlin’s Andrei Andreyev Hall, followed by a working lunch. Russian state media reported the agenda covered economic cooperation, security arrangements, and Syria’s potential role in regional stability. Al-Sharaa arrived in Moscow on a chartered flight from Damascus, marking his second official visit since assuming power.
Details of the Kremlin Meeting
Putin greeted al-Sharaa with a handshake and traditional Russian protocol, including the playing of both nations’ anthems. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the leaders signed a memorandum on mutual consultations, focusing on trade and energy sectors. Syria seeks Russian technical aid for rebuilding infrastructure damaged in the civil war.
Al-Sharaa thanked Putin for past support to Syria, despite the leadership change, and expressed interest in maintaining military ties, including the Russian base at Tartus naval facility and Hmeimim airbase. Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to Syrian sovereignty, stating Moscow recognises the new government’s authority over state institutions. No immediate decisions emerged on Assad’s status during the public portions of the talks.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended, alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. The delegation discussed lifting Western sanctions on Syria and potential debt relief from Moscow’s wartime loans. State news agency TASS reported plans for a Russian-Syrian business forum scheduled for March 2026 in St Petersburg.
Assad’s Presence in Moscow
Bashar al-Assad resides in Moscow under Russian protection since fleeing Syria on 8 December 2025, after HTS-led rebels overran Damascus. Russian authorities granted him asylum on humanitarian grounds, citing his family’s long-standing ties to Moscow. Assad has made no public appearances since arrival, residing in a state-provided dacha outside the capital.
Kremlin officials confirmed Assad remains in Russia but declined to disclose his exact location or activities. Putin previously described Assad as a “guest” of the Russian Federation, emphasising non-interference in Syrian internal affairs. Al-Sharaa raised the issue of Assad’s extradition during preliminary talks, though no Syrian arrest warrant has been issued as of 28 January 2026.
Western diplomats noted the duality of Russia engaging both the exiled leader and his successor, viewing it as a hedging strategy amid Syria’s uncertain transition. UN envoy Geir Pedersen welcomed the Moscow dialogue as a step toward inclusive negotiations.
Background on Syria’s Leadership Transition
Ahmad al-Sharaa officially appointed as transitional president of Syria - Türkiye Today
Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, led Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) forces that toppled Assad after a 13-year insurgency. HTS rebranded as a political entity post-victory, dissolving its al-Qaeda links in 2016. Al-Sharaa was sworn in as president on 29 December 2025 by a rebel transitional council in Damascus.
The new leadership controls 90% of Syrian territory, including major cities Aleppo, Homs, and Latakia. Assad’s regime collapse followed Russian troop withdrawals from key fronts and Iranian proxy retreats. Turkey-backed factions ceded ground to HTS, consolidating power under al-Sharaa’s command.
Syria’s economy contracted 80% during the war, with 16 million people requiring aid per UN estimates. Al-Sharaa prioritises repatriation of 6.8 million refugees and reconstruction costing $400 billion. His Moscow visit seeks investment from Russian firms like Gazprom and Rosneft.
Statements from Both Leaders
Putin stated:
“Russia stands ready to cooperate with the legitimate Syrian authorities on equal terms.”
He highlighted 10,000 Russian troops stationed in Syria since 2015, now reduced to 4,000 for base security. Al-Sharaa replied: “We value Russia’s historical role and look forward to a strategic partnership.”
In a televised address post-meeting, al-Sharaa called for normalisation with all nations respecting Syria’s independence. Putin praised the new leadership’s pledges to combat terrorism and protect minorities, including Syria’s Christian and Alawite communities. No joint press conference occurred, with statements released separately.
Peskov noted discussions touched on Israel’s strikes near the Golan Heights and US troop presence in eastern Syria. Both sides agreed to quarterly high-level meetings.
Regional and International Reactions
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated al-Sharaa on the visit, urging inclusive governance. Iran, a former Assad ally, expressed reservations about HTS’s Islamist roots. Saudi Arabia offered $2 billion in aid conditional on democratic reforms.
The United States maintains 900 troops in Syria for ISIS containment, with envoy Thomas Barrack meeting al-Sharaa in Ankara last week. EU foreign ministers discussed easing sanctions if HTS distances from extremism. Jordan hosted a summit of 10 Arab states pledging $5 billion for Syrian stabilisation.
UN Security Council resolution 2254, adopted in 2015, remains the framework for political transition, though unimplemented until now. Astana process guarantors—Russia, Turkey, Iran—scheduled trilateral talks for February 2026 in Sochi.
Russian Strategic Interests in Syria
Russia intervened in Syria in 2015, preserving Assad and securing Mediterranean ports vital for Black Sea Fleet projection. Tartus handles 20 Russian warships annually, while Hmeimim supports air operations across the Middle East. Post-Assad, Moscow negotiated lease extensions with HTS for 49 years at nominal rent.
Economic ties include $1.5 billion in Syrian oil concessions to Russian firms since 2018. Assad’s ouster prompted Russia to evacuate 20,000 citizens from Syria in December 2025. Putin framed the engagement as pragmatic diplomacy, avoiding power vacuums.
Syria supplies 30% of Russia’s citrus imports, with trade volume at $250 million pre-war. Reconstruction contracts awarded to Russian companies total $3 billion, focusing on power grids and railways.
Assad’s Exile and Legal Status
Assad faces International Criminal Court referral threats over war crimes allegations, though Russia vetoed UNSC action. Syria’s new justice minister announced plans for a truth commission excluding foreign extraditions initially. Assad’s wife Asma holds British citizenship, complicating repatriation.
Russian media portray Assad as resting privately, with unconfirmed reports of medical treatment in Moscow clinics. Al-Sharaa’s government revoked Assad’s citizenship and seized $1.2 billion in regime assets. No direct contact between the two Syrians has occurred in Russia.
Human Rights Watch documented 500,000 deaths under Assad, with HTS promising accountability trials.
Future Bilateral Engagements
Al-Sharaa extended an invitation for Putin to visit Damascus in summer 2026, pending security clearances. A joint military commission convenes next month to assess base operations. Economic pacts target wheat supplies and phosphate exports from Syria.
Moscow hosts 200,000 Syrian students and refugees, with repatriation grants of $1,000 per family. Both leaders endorsed the 2026 Arab League summit in Damascus. Follow-up visits by Russian deputy prime ministers are confirmed for March.
The Moscow engagement signals Russia’s pivot to the new reality, balancing legacy commitments with forward-looking diplomacy. Ongoing talks address debt restructuring from $4 billion in Syrian liabilities to Russia.