The second meeting in three months between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled an apparent rise in confidence and a shared push to fast-track the rebuilding of ties between Damascus and Moscow.
Unlike their first meeting in October, which focused on the historical legacy of bilateral ties and the need to review relations during the era of the ousted president, Bashar al-Assad, the two leaders appeared more at ease during Sharaa’s second visit to Moscow.
Putin received the Syrian president at the Kremlin alongside a high-level Russian delegation and praised what he described as the Syrian leadership’s successes in rebuilding a new Syria, unifying the country, and extending government control across its territory.
Sharaa responded by commending Russia’s active role in maintaining stability in Syria.
The Russian delegation included Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Construction and Housing Minister Irek Faizullin, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, Deputy Chief of the Presidential Administration Maxim Oreshkin, First Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, and Dmitry Shugaev, head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation.
Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of the Main Directorate of the Russian General Staff, also took part in the talks.
Kostyukov has previously participated in Russian-Syrian discussions and recently led Russia’s delegation to trilateral talks with the United States and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi.
The composition of the Russian delegation underscored the Kremlin’s level of interest in the visit and the breadth of issues on the agenda.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, and Secretary-General of the Presidency Maher al-Sharaa accompanied Sharaa.
Opening the meeting, Putin said bilateral relations had continued to develop, noting that the two countries had advanced economic cooperation despite complex conditions.
He pointed to economic growth exceeding 4%, saying it may not be as ambitious as desired but represented tangible progress that should be maintained. Putin added that relations between Moscow and Damascus had seen notable development, crediting Sharaa’s personal efforts.
He congratulated his guest on what he described as growing momentum toward restoring Syria’s territorial unity, calling recent advances by government forces in northeastern Syria a decisive and essential step. Russia, he said, was closely monitoring Syria’s efforts to reassert control over its territory.
Putin told Sharaa that much work remained in reconstruction and rehabilitation, adding that Russian economic institutions, including those in the construction sector, were fully prepared for cooperation.
Sharaa thanked Russia for its role in stabilizing the situation, saying Moscow played a critical part in that process. He expressed hope for productive talks and said the two sides shared many common issues.
He said Syria had overcome several significant challenges over the past year, most recently unifying its territory, and that Damascus was seeking to move from destruction toward stability and peace.
Sharaa also noted that the following day would mark one year since the first Russian delegation visited Syria after the start of the new era, referring to a visit by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov that paved the way for dialogue and the rebuilding of ties.
On bilateral issues, the two presidents discussed increased cooperation among relevant ministries in areas such as industry, humanitarian affairs, sports, medicine, and construction.
In their public remarks, the leaders avoided contentious topics such as the future of Russian military bases in Syria. However, the Kremlin had indicated ahead of the meeting that the issue would be discussed.
They also did not publicly address the situation along Syria’s coast, where tensions persist amid accusations that figures linked to the former regime and now based in Russia are attempting to destabilize the area.
Sources have previously said Sharaa may seek the extradition of some second- and third-tier figures involved in unrest.
Other sources said Damascus had prepared lists of former regime figures with whom reconciliation could be pursued, a proposal previously encouraged by Moscow.
The situation in northeastern Syria was also expected to feature in closed-door talks, particularly after Russia withdrew from Qamishli airport two days before the visit, reportedly at Damascus’s request.
A source said Sharaa was also likely to raise the situation in southern Syria, amid Syrian interest in a Russian role that could strengthen Damascus’s position in ongoing negotiations with Israel.
Russian involvement in southern Syria, including possible patrols to curb Israeli incursions and acting as a guarantor between Damascus and Tel Aviv, has been discussed during previous visits.
However, some sources said Israel appeared unenthusiastic about reviving an active Russian role in the area.
Regarding Russian military bases, estimates suggest the two sides may begin discussions on a new arrangement that would see Moscow retain its presence at the Tartous naval facility, a key logistics hub supporting Russia’s operations in Africa and naval movements in the Mediterranean.
Talks are also expected on the Hmeimim air base, with sources anticipating discussions on a new framework involving cooperation to support the rehabilitation of the Syrian army.
