Overview

• Ahmed al‑Sharaa held his first official talks with Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Oct. 15, aiming to recalibrate ties after Bashar al‑Assad’s ouster.
• In televised remarks, al‑Sharaa said Damascus would respect all prior agreements with Moscow, a pledge widely read as safeguarding Russia’s Tartous and Hmeimim bases.
• Syrian officials say he requested Russia hand over Assad for trial, but Moscow has granted the ex‑leader asylum on humanitarian grounds and has announced no decision.
• The agenda included the future role of Russia’s bases, with Russian officials noting possible repurposing under new circumstances and no changes made public.
• Damascus is seeking reconstruction support and broader economic cooperation, with Syrian sources also looking for assurances Russia will not rearm remnants of Assad’s forces.