Syrian Interim President Al-Sharaa, Putin Discuss Future of Russian Military Bases in Syria

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January 28, 2026
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Syrian interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, to discuss the future of Russia’s military presence in the country.

The meeting marks al-Sharaa’s second visit to the Kremlin in less than four months as the new Syrian government seeks to solidify international ties.

The primary focus of the high-level talks was the status of Russia’s strategic assets in Syria, specifically the Hmeimim air base and the naval facility at Tartus.

These sites represent Moscow’s most significant military foothold in the Mediterranean and are seen as essential for Russia’s regional influence.

During the meeting, Putin expressed Russia’s continued commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and its efforts to rebuild a nation devastated by years of conflict. He noted that Russian economic operators, particularly those in the construction sector, are prepared to assist in restoring the country’s infrastructure.

Regarding the ongoing efforts to unify the country, Putin congratulated al-Sharaa on recent progress in bringing various territories back under central control.

Russia has historically advocated for the restoration of Syria’s territorial integrity, including areas previously held by Kurdish-led forces.

A central quote from the Russian leader emphasized this stance: “You know that we always stood for the restoration of Syria’s territorial integrity, the country’s integrity, and we support all your efforts in this direction.”

Al-Sharaa thanked the Russian President for Moscow’s role in stabilizing the country during its transition. The interim leader, who rose to power following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, has been working to balance relations with former adversaries and allies alike.

The discussion also touched upon the withdrawal of Russian forces from certain positions in northeastern Syria. This shift comes as the Syrian army continues its push into territories formerly controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) following a recent lightning offensive.

Despite their history on opposite sides of the civil war, the interim government in Damascus appears eager to leverage Russian expertise for economic recovery. By maintaining ties with Moscow, al-Sharaa aims to diversify Syria’s foreign policy while securing the investment needed for reconstruction.

The Kremlin has yet to indicate whether it will comply with al-Sharaa’s repeated requests for the extradition of former President Bashar al-Assad. For now, both leaders remain focused on the pragmatic necessity of military cooperation and the long-term security of Russia’s Mediterranean bases.