Putin holds phone call with Syria's interim leader Sharaa

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in a phone call Wednesday, the Kremlin said.

Moscow had been a key supporter of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted by Sharaa in December. Now, Russia is working to secure continued access to its naval and air bases in Syria.

In January, Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reported that both nations planned further discussions regarding Moscow’s military presence in Syria.

After rebels seized Damascus in December, Russia granted Assad asylum—a move that angered many Syrians, including the new leadership.

Last month, reports suggested that Syria demanded Assad’s return in exchange for allowing Russia to retain its military bases.

These bases have been central to Russia’s strategic ambitions, serving as key outposts for Moscow’s influence in the Mediterranean and Africa.