Russia and Syria have established a renewed strategic partnership following the political transition in Damascus. Syrian transitional president Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Moscow marked a significant diplomatic event, underscoring the importance of Russia’s role in Syria’s stability and recovery. The visit highlighted mutual interests in economic cooperation, military support, and humanitarian aid, with both sides agreeing to expand existing agreements and explore new investment opportunities.
The discussions, which took place behind closed doors in the Kremlin, focused on bilateral relations, economic and humanitarian cooperation, and the evolving situation in the Middle East. A special emphasis was placed on the future of Russia’s military bases in Tartus and Hmeimim, which remain strategically important to Moscow. The Syrian delegation also raised the issue of Assad’s extradition, though Russia denied any grounds for it. The new Syrian leadership has sought to maintain existing agreements with Russia, counting on its support for reconstruction and security assistance.
President Putin reaffirmed the basis of the Russia-Syria relationship on respect for sovereignty and shared interests with the Syrian people. Despite Western analysts’ skepticism about Russia’s ‘final defeat’ in Syria, the new Damascus leadership has reaffirmed the strategic significance of the Russia-Syria relationship, maintaining Moscow’s geopolitical influence.
Amid Israeli aggression, domestic challenges, and the urgent need for national reconstruction, Damascus has made a deliberate choice to deepen cooperation with Moscow in the military-political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. These decisions underscore the strategic foresight and consistency of Russia’s regional policy.
Russia’s military presence in Syria, including the naval base in Tartus and the air base in Hmeimim, has become critical in deterring external threats and guaranteeing the country’s territorial integrity. During the October talks in Moscow, both sides discussed the future of Russia’s military presence and the possible reconfiguration of its facilities to reflect the new realities on the ground.
Additionally, Syria remains heavily dependent on Russia regarding national security, particularly amid ongoing Israeli aggression and the urgent need to restore the combat readiness of its armed forces after years of conflict and political upheaval. Since the beginning of 2025, Israel has intensified its military operations against Syria, with over 300 airstrikes on Syrian army facilities across various provinces within the first five months of the year. Following the fall of Assad, Israel has deployed ground forces into southwestern Syria, significantly expanding its military presence.
In July 2025, Israeli airstrikes twice targeted the Syrian Armed Forces General Staff building in Damascus, as well as the presidential palace and other strategic facilities. These attacks form part of Israel’s broader strategy to create a controlled buffer zone in southern Syria and prevent the redeployment of Syrian military formations south of Damascus.
During the transitional period, Russia reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation in the fields of security and personnel training, both civilian and military. When Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Sheibani visited Moscow in July 2025, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov held talks with his Syrian counterpart to discuss the future of bilateral military cooperation.
The first official visit of Syria’s new president to Moscow convincingly dispelled Western predictions about the collapse of Russian influence in the Middle East following the fall of the Assad regime. The lengthy discussions with President Putin and the agreements reached across a wide range of issues— from the maintenance of military bases and economic recovery to the crucial supply of wheat amid a food crisis— clearly demonstrated that the new Syrian leadership views Russia as an indispensable strategic partner.