Sharaa meets Putin as Russia seeks to maintain foothold in Syria

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Kremlin on Wednesday, with Russia’s future military presence in Syria expected to dominate discussions.

This marks Sharaa’s second visit to Russia since his Islamist coalition ousted former Russian ally Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Moscow has been working to maintain influence in Syria and secure its military foothold in the Middle East.

In opening remarks, Putin said: “I want to congratulate you on the fact that the process of restoring the territorial integrity of Syria is gaining momentum.” Sharaa thanked Putin for Russia’s support in stabilising Syria and the wider region.

Sources say a major focus of the talks is redefining the status of Russia’s Hmeimim airbase and Tartous naval facility, while Moscow is withdrawing forces from Qamishli airport in northeast Syria. Damascus views Qamishli as a potential lever Moscow could use against the Syrian government and to strengthen Kurdish autonomy.

Sharaa also raised the risk of a strike on Iran and sought greater Russian involvement in southern Syria, including a military police presence in Quneitra, in the Golan Heights, to act as a buffer against Israeli incursions.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the leaders would discuss “all issues related to the presence of our troops in Syria,” as well as economic cooperation and regional security.

Syrian sources added that Sharaa is seeking assurances that Assad loyalists and former officers in Moscow would not use their sanctuary to finance or organise attacks against the state, particularly in Syria’s coastal areas.

Putin’s support signals strong backing for Sharaa’s efforts to consolidate control over Syrian territory, as Moscow navigates its post-Assad strategy in the region.