Syrian leader meets Putin in Moscow with Russian military bases on agenda

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Associated PressJanuary 29, 2026 at 05:32 AM

AI Summary

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Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday, marking his second visit in four months. Putin expressed Russia's willingness to assist in rebuilding Syria's war-torn economy. Discussions were expected to include the future of Russian military bases in Syria, which are strategically important for Russia's presence in the Mediterranean. Al-Sharaa thanked Putin for Russia's role in stabilizing Syria following the December 2024 rebel offensive that ousted former President Bashar al-Assad, who had previously been supported by Moscow. Russia, currently focused on the conflict in Ukraine, did not intervene in the offensive and granted asylum to Assad and his family.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kremlin 40% Ukraine 40% Mediterranean 50% Russian military 70% Bashar al-Assad ×270% Moscow ×280% Ahmad al-Sharaa ×290% Russia ×390% Vladimir Putin ×3100% Syria ×5100%

Keywords

russia 100% syria 100% vladimir putin 90% ahmad al-sharaa 80% russian military bases 80% economic reconstruction 70% bashar al-assad 60% rebel offensive 60% mediterranean 50% civil war 40%