Syria Demands Russia Extradite Bashar al-Assad in Exchange for Military Base Access

New Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa seeks to rebuild trust with Russia through reparations and accountability for past actions.

Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has requested Russia to extradite exiled former president Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Moscow after being ousted in December.
The extradition demand is reportedly tied to negotiations over Russia retaining access to its strategically important Tartus naval base and Khmeimim airbase in Syria.
Syria has also called on Russia to rebuild trust by providing compensation, supporting reconstruction, and addressing past actions during Assad's regime.
Russian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, held talks with the Syrian leadership but have not publicly commented on the extradition demand.
The fall of Assad's regime marks a significant shift in Syria-Russia relations, with Moscow facing challenges in maintaining its influence in the region.