Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow on January 28 to discuss the future of bilateral relations and regional security.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing the Kremlin, the discussions will center on the transition period in Syria and recent developments in the Middle East. The agenda includes the development of bilateral cooperation across various sectors and the broader geopolitical situation in the region.
While not explicitly mentioned in the official statement, the status of former president Bashar al-Assad, who has taken refuge in Russia, is expected to be a key topic of discussion. Another critical point involves Russia's military presence in Syria, specifically the future of the Tartus and Hmeimim bases, which remain strategic assets for Moscow in the Mediterranean.
This visit marks Ahmed al-Sharaa's second official trip to Russia since October 2025, following a previous meeting aimed at "restarting" bilateral relations. Amid these diplomatic efforts, the Syrian leader has also called for the formal lifting of sanctions imposed by the United States. Under the administration of US President Donald Trump, the regional landscape continues to shift as Damascus seeks international legitimacy and economic recovery.
Russia has historically served as a primary ally for the Syrian government, providing significant military and political support over the past decade. The upcoming talks in Moscow are seen as a pivotal step in defining the post-conflict governance structure and the long-term security architecture of the Syrian state.
