Putin Meets Syrian Interim Leader Amid Rising Tensions and Shifting Alliances
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Syrian interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to the Kremlin on Wednesday, marking al-Sharaa’s second visit to Moscow in four months. The meeting was dominated by talks on Russia's military presence in Syria, the reconstruction of the war-torn nation, and the controversial issue of Bashar al-Assad's extradition.
Background and Context
This meeting comes in the wake of the toppling of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, a long-time Russian ally, in 2024. Since then, the Kremlin has sought to strengthen ties with the new leadership in Damascus. Al-Sharaa’s visit also saw the involvement of Russian military intelligence chief, Igor Kostyukov, who heads Russia’s negotiating team in the Abu Dhabi-hosted trilateral consultations with Ukraine and the US12.
Key Developments
Putin voiced his support for al-Sharaa's efforts to restore Syria's territorial integrity, particularly the integration of the Trans-Euphrates region3. The Russian president also congratulated the Syrian leader on his efforts to stabilize the country4. However, one point of contention remains: the Kremlin has yet to respond to al-Sharaa's repeated requests for Bashar al-Assad's extradition5.
The meeting also touched on the future of Russian military bases in Syria. Putin emphasized his readiness to help rebuild Syria’s war-battered economy, stating, “I know that there is a lot that’s necessary to restore in Syria, and our economic operators, including the construction sector, are ready for this joint work”6.
Reactions and Implications
Internationally, the meeting has sparked varying reactions. The US President praised al-Sharaa, particularly for his offensive against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)7. However, the situation remains tense as Syrian government forces, reportedly containing a large jihadist element, advance on territory controlled by the U.S.-allied SDF8. This has led to concerns about the safety of the Kurdish population, with Senator Lindsey Graham and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issuing warnings about the need to protect them8.
Al-Sharaa's efforts to regain territory have also led to an increase in the number of IS supporters in Syria, according to Iraqi intelligence9. The situation in Syria’s Kurdish regions remains complicated, with factors such as the failure of the Shaara-Abdi agreement and various international stances further muddling the outlook10.
Conclusion
The meeting between Putin and al-Sharaa, while aiming to strengthen ties, served to highlight the complexity of the situation in Syria. With tensions rising and alliances shifting, the road to stability appears to be a long one.