Al-Sharaa and Putin Hold Meeting Amid Russia’s Efforts to Establish Military Bases in Syria
In the shifting landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics, the recent meeting between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Russian President Vladimir Putin underscores the intricate dance of diplomacy following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad. As Russia seeks to solidify its military foothold in Syria, the evolving relationship with al-Sharaa illustrates both the complexities and the pragmatism guiding regional politics amid ongoing conflict and shifting allegiances.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa recently visited Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a significant step for Russia as it aims to bolster its military presence in Syria following the removal of former ally Bashar al-Assad in 2024. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the agenda for the meeting would focus on the status of Russian troops stationed at strategic locations, including the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base on Syria’s Mediterranean coast.
In a notable development, reports indicated that Russia has pulled its forces from the Qamishli airport located in Kurdish-controlled northeast Syria, reducing its military footprint to just two bases in the region, both vital for maintaining influence in the Middle East. Since the fall of Assad, Moscow has moved to establish closer ties with al-Sharaa as a means of ensuring its ongoing military operations, which play a crucial role in solidifying its power in the region.
The dynamic between the new Syrian leadership and Russia appears pragmatic; while the past extensive military support for Assad lingers, al-Sharaa’s government seems more accommodating towards retaining Russian military capabilities in the country. During his initial Kremlin visit in October, al-Sharaa adopted a conciliatory tone, though the question of Assad’s extradition remains contentious, with Peskov not clarifying Moscow’s position on al-Sharaa’s repeated requests for the former president.
Putin’s insistence on maintaining a military presence in Syria is underscored by recent geopolitical shifts, particularly following the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by special forces. The U.S. has since expressed support for al-Sharaa and has developed increasingly warm ties during ongoing clashes between the military and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Despite the tumultuous backdrop, a fragile ceasefire currently remains operational, offering a glimmer of possibility amidst the region’s complexities.
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