January 28, 2026 — Dalena Reporters
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly praised Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa for his efforts to reintegrate Syria’s territory, following their meeting in Moscow on Wednesday, in what officials described as a step toward strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
The talks took place at the Kremlin, where the leaders discussed the ongoing situation in Syria and the future of Russia’s military presence in the country’s security landscape. Putin commended Al-Sharaa for the “momentum” being achieved in the process of restoring Syrian territorial integrity, particularly in northeastern regions once held by Kurdish forces.
Russia — which was a key ally of Syria’s former leader Bashar Assad during the country’s long civil war — retains strategic military installations in Syria, including the Hmeimim air base and the Tartus naval base along the Mediterranean coast, which are its only official military bases outside the former Soviet Union.
The meeting follows diplomatic engagement between Russia and Al-Sharaa, aimed at preserving military cooperation and stabilisation efforts, even as the future status of Assad and his continued shelter in Moscow remains an unresolved hurdle in relations.
Al-Sharaa acknowledged Russia’s “historic role” not only in support of Syria’s unity and stability but across the broader Middle East, affirming ongoing cooperation between the two governments.
Putin also highlighted Russia’s interest in the security situation in Syria, reiterating support for the reintegration of Syrian territory under central government control, and stressing the importance of diplomatic and military cooperation with Damascus.
While neither leader publicly detailed discussions on Russia’s bases, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov previously indicated that the matter would be a point of focus as talks continued — underscoring Moscow’s interest in securing its strategic foothold in the region.