The talks are symbolic, especially in view of the fact that Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown in December 2024, was puppet of the Russian dictator.
Syria's president said on Wednesday during a visit to Moscow that he wants to “redefine” relations between his country and Russia. Al-Shara is also trying to extradite former dictator Al-Assad, who is currently in exile in Moscow.
After the fall of the brutal regime in December 2024, Bashar al-Assad fled with his family to Moscow. Under Putin's protection, he completely disappeared from public life. Under his rule, Russia became one of Syria's closest allies.
According to a report by the weekly “ZEIT”, Al-Asad currently lives in hiding in one of the 20 luxury apartments his clan occupies in a Moscow City skyscraper. He is protected by the Russian special services FSB, surrounded by luxury and bodyguards.
Sources from his former entourage report that Al-Asad rarely leaves his lavish lair and is considered a ghost who spends hours playing online video games.
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A blow to Putin
— With the fall of al-Assad, Putin lost his most important ally in the Middle East — Russia was unable to hold on to him, and since then lost its influence in the region – explains prof. Dr. Thomas Jager (Department of International Politics, University of Cologne) in an interview with “Bild”.
As an example, a foreign policy expert cites Israel's attack on Iran. In this case, the previously concluded agreement between Moscow and Tehran “had no significance.” So no one had to “pay attention to Putin” anymore. The Russian dictator also lost his good relationship with Binyamin Netanyahu to Donald Trump.
The fact is that Putin, who has helped Al-Assad militarily for years, does not want to give up his own bases in Syria.
The port in the city of Tartus is responsible for Russia's only and therefore strategically important access to the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, Moscow has so far used the Humeimim air base southeast of the city of Latakia for its bombers and helicopters.
—Russia stands again at the beginning of the road to building influence in southern Syria. Syrian bases are particularly important to this goal, as well as to engagement in Africa, Jager says.
Ahmad al-Shara and Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin, Moscow, October 15, 2025.ALEXANDER ZEMLIANICHENKO / AFP
The Kremlin is in a difficult situation
In turn, the new government in Damascus, as stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Assad al-Shaibani, aims to a new phase of bilateral relations based on cooperation and mutual respect.
During his visit to Moscow in late July, the Syrian minister said he was committed to establishing a healthy and lasting partnership between the two countries. In this context, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov extended an invitation to Ash-Shara.
— The new president of Syria cares international recognition. He could ask Putin to hand over Assad, Jager says. However, this would put Putin in a difficult situation. To improve relations with Syria, he would have to betray his long-time friend.
“But that would undermine him.” credibility in the eyes of other despots. Therefore, Al-Assad will probably stay in Russia, the expert says.
This is al-Shara's first visit to Moscow after the fall of the Assad regime. The Syrian was received by Putin, who stated during the welcome that “for many decades, we have always been guided by one thing: the interests of the Syrian people. We really have very deep ties with the Syrian people.”
The Russian president emphasized that over 4,000 students study in Russia. young Syrians and expressed hope that they will strengthen the “Syrian state” in the future.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
