Story perspectives

Putin and Al-Sharaa Discuss Syria's Military Future

1/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow on January 28, 2026, to discuss Russia's future military presence in Syria and al-Sharaa's request to extradite Assad.
The meeting follows al-Sharaa's ousting of Bashar al-Assad, a former ally of Russia.
The talks address Syria's bases, notably the Hmeimim airbase and Tartous naval base.
Putin congratulated al-Sharaa on recent military progress against Kurdish forces.
Al-Sharaa seeks to build a pragmatic relationship with Russia.

History

Historical Context

Russia's military intervention in the Syrian Civil War began on September 30, 2015, when it launched airstrikes to support President Bashar al-Assad against various opposition groups. This marked a significant shift in the conflict, as Russia conducted over 5,000 airstrikes, reinforcing its strategic foothold in Syria, particularly at military bases like Hmeimim and Tartous, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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Story summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow on January 28, 2026, to discuss Russia's future military presence in Syria and al-Sharaa's request to extradite Assad.
The meeting follows al-Sharaa's ousting of Bashar al-Assad, a former ally of Russia.
The talks address Syria's bases, notably the Hmeimim airbase and Tartous naval base.
Putin congratulated al-Sharaa on recent military progress against Kurdish forces.
Al-Sharaa seeks to build a pragmatic relationship with Russia.

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