Syrian President al-Sharaa to Meet Putin — Novaya Gazeta

Syria’s president, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, is expected to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow this week to discuss the future of Russian bases in Syria and the status of Bashar al-Assad, Orda.kz reports, citing Novaya Gazeta Europe.

Assad was overthrown in December 2024 by armed groups and fled to Russia, where he received asylum. A Damascus court has since issued a warrant for his arrest.

According to the media’s source, discussions will also touch on Syrians who fled to Russia after the regime’s collapse, including former military and security officials.

Moscow’s military presence remains a core issue in relations between the two countries. Russia has signaled it could maintain its foothold even in a non-military format, through humanitarian centers.

A source familiar with the talks told Novaya Gazeta Europe that Damascus seeks to maintain diplomatic ties with Moscow, as “entering into conflict with Russia would be too costly for Syria."

Al-Sharaa had made a similar statement in an interview with 60 Minutes:

We will use all legal means possible to demand that Bashar al-Assad be brought to justice. However, engaging in a conflict with Russia right now would be too costly for Syria. Nor would it be in the country's interest.