Vladimir Putin received his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed al-Sharaa, today in Moscow to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will receive his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on Wednesday during the second meeting since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in 2025. This visit comes amid European and American fears regarding the return of jihadists, especially those from the Islamic State, in Syria. The Kremlin has announced that discussions will address the state of bilateral relations and prospects for development in various fields. Recently, Russia withdrew its forces from the airport in Qamishli, where it maintained a small installation, following a breach by Kurdish forces against the Syrian army. The new Syrian president hopes to obtain the extradition of Bashar al-Assad, who is a refugee in Russia.

In this context, the regime in Damascus continues its military offensive against territories controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces coalition, causing uncertainties regarding detention camps for jihadists. A ceasefire is in effect, but tensions persist, and Western powers are calling for the avoidance of a security vacuum that could favor jihadists.