In a high-stakes diplomatic maneuver that underscores the volatile nature of Middle Eastern politics, Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Shara, in Moscow on October 15, 2025—even as Russia continues to harbor the ousted former dictator, Bashar al-Assad . This extraordinary meeting between two leaders once on opposite sides of a brutal civil war has sent shockwaves through global capitals.
Putin Meets Syria’s New President: A Calculated Embrace
The Kremlin meeting marked Ahmed al-Shara’s first official visit to Russia since assuming the presidency following the dramatic collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024 . During their talks, Shara reportedly assured Putin that his government would honor all existing agreements between Damascus and Moscow—a crucial concession aimed at preserving Russia’s strategic military foothold in the region .
“Syria’s Sharaa tells Putin at Kremlin meeting he will respect all past deals with Moscow,” confirmed sources close to the negotiations . This pledge is widely seen as an attempt to secure Russian cooperation, particularly regarding the status of its naval base in Tartus and its airbase near Hmeimim—assets that remain vital to Moscow’s influence in the Mediterranean.
The Ghost in the Room: Bashar al-Assad’s Russian Sanctuary
While Putin and Shara shook hands in the grand halls of the Kremlin, the unspoken presence of Bashar al-Assad loomed large. Since the fall of his regime in December 2024, Assad has been living under Russian protection, his exact whereabouts a closely guarded secret . The new Syrian government has repeatedly demanded his extradition to face trial for war crimes, but Moscow has thus far refused .
The fall of Assad’s two-decade rule was a watershed moment, triggered when a coalition of rebel forces seized Damascus in a swift offensive . The event not only ended a bloody chapter in Syrian history but also severed a critical land corridor for Iranian influence stretching from Tehran to Beirut .
Russia’s Delicate Balancing Act
Russia now finds itself walking a geopolitical tightrope. On one hand, it must nurture its relationship with the new Syrian authorities to retain its military bases and economic interests. On the other, it is committed to protecting its former ally, Assad, a move that fuels resentment in Damascus and complicates its regional standing .
“The relationship fundamentally shifted after the regime change in Syria,” analysts note, adding that Russia’s overall engagement in the Middle East has been increasingly overshadowed by its ongoing war in Ukraine . Despite this, Moscow appears determined to maintain its role as a key power broker in the region.
What’s at Stake for Both Sides?
| Russia’s Interests | Syria’s (New Govt) Interests |
|---|---|
| Preserve military bases in Tartus & Hmeimim | Secure international legitimacy & aid |
| Maintain a foothold in the Mediterranean | Rebuild a shattered economy & infrastructure |
| Counterbalance Western & Turkish influence | Gain control over former regime loyalists |
| Protect Assad as a matter of principle/leverage | Extradite Assad for justice & national reconciliation |
The Road Ahead: An Uncertain Future
The Moscow summit is less a sign of a fresh start and more a testament to the pragmatic, if uneasy, realities of post-Assad diplomacy. For Shara, engaging with Putin is a necessary step to stabilize his fledgling government. For Putin, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate Russia’s enduring relevance on the world stage, even as its resources are stretched thin.
As one Syrian official told reporters before the meeting, Sharaa’s primary goal was to “redefine” relations with Russia—a clear signal that the old, unconditional alliance is over . The question now is whether this new, transactional relationship can survive the ghost of the past that Russia refuses to let go.
Sources
- Reuters: Syria’s Sharaa tells Putin at Kremlin meeting he will respect all past deals with Moscow
- Al Jazeera: Syria’s president Ahmed al-Sharaa visits Russia for historic talks with Putin
- Carnegie Endowment: Six Months Post-Assad, What’s Next for Syria?
- The New York Times: Putin Welcomes Syria’s New President in Moscow, While Still Harboring al-Assad
