Overview

• In televised remarks at the Kremlin, Ahmed al‑Sharaa said Damascus respects all agreements with Moscow, a pledge seen as safeguarding Russia’s Hmeimim air base and Tartous naval facility.
• Both sides discussed redefining political, economic and humanitarian cooperation, with Russian officials highlighting talks on the future terms of Russia’s military presence.
• Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russia is ready to support Syria’s reconstruction, citing projects in energy, transport, tourism, healthcare and cultural sectors.
• Syrian officials told Reuters and AFP that al‑Sharaa would request the extradition of Bashar al‑Assad from Russian asylum, a move Russia has signaled it is unlikely to grant.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Damascus wants Russia’s bases to stay and suggested they could be repurposed for new tasks, as Syrian sources also flagged interest in rebuilding the army without rearming Assad loyalists.