Key Facts

• Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday.
• The main topic was the continuation of Russian military presence in Syria.
• Russia has military bases at the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base on Syria's Mediterranean coast.
• Russia withdrew its forces from the Qamishli airport in Syria's northeast.
• Russia is focusing on maintaining influence in the Middle East through its bases in Syria.
• Al-Sharaa's forces overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
• The relationship between Russia and Syria is pragmatic, allowing Russian bases to remain.
• The U.S. has improved relations with al-Sharaa and supported fighting against Kurdish forces in Syria.