MOSCOW, Russia (MNTV) — Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Moscow for his second trip to Russia since assuming power nearly 14 months ago, discussing the future of Russian military presence in Syria and regional security arrangements.
During the meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Sharaa, noting progress in the restoration of Syria’s territorial integrity.
The visit comes amid ongoing clashes between Syrian government forces and the U.S.-backed, predominantly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have held areas in northern Syria since 2012.
Earlier this month, the SDF signed an agreement with Damascus on Jan. 18, allowing for the gradual reassertion of state authority in previously Kurdish-controlled regions. Despite the agreement, violent incidents continue in parts of the north as government forces advance.
Sharaa emphasized Russia’s stabilizing role in Syria and the broader region, while Russian officials reportedly withdrew forces from Qamishli airport as a gesture of goodwill, maintaining key military installations at Hmeimim air base and Tartous naval facility.
Syrian sources said Sharaa requested deeper Russian engagement in southern Syria, including a potential military police presence in Quneitra near the Golan Heights to act as a buffer against Israeli incursions.
Putin’s administration is understood to support maintaining influence over Syria and its neighboring territories.
The discussions coincide with U.S. efforts to facilitate a security agreement between Syria and Israel by March, addressing troop deployments on Mount Hermon.
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Sharaa on Tuesday, urging progress on a unified security arrangement while emphasizing Syria’s territorial cohesion.
Officials said negotiations with Israel have made significant headway, with Mount Hermon remaining the primary point of contention, while the remainder of the security framework has reportedly been agreed upon.