Overview

• Interim president Ahmed al-Chareh arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for his first visit to Russia since taking power to meet Vladimir Putin.
• A Syrian official told AFP and Reuters that al-Chareh will formally request Russia transfer Bashar al-Assad to Syrian custody, with no extradition decision announced.
• According to Syria’s SANA agency, the agenda includes regional developments, closer cooperation, and the future of Russia’s Tartous naval facility and Khmeimim air base.
• The visiting delegation includes foreign, military, and economic officials, with talks expected to cover investment and rearming Syria’s forces, a Syrian official said.
• The outreach builds on a February call in which Putin voiced support for Syria’s unity and a July meeting in Moscow with Syria’s foreign minister.