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Interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa met Vladimir Putin in Moscow on his first visit since a rebel offensive ousted Bashar Assad, whom Russia has sheltered. The Kremlin cast the talks as a reset of historic ties and a bid to retain Russia’s air and naval footholds, with the bases’ future on the agenda. Al-Sharaa stressed Syria’s partial reliance on Russian expertise, especially in energy, while Putin lauded recent parliamentary elections. Moscow says Assad’s asylum was humanitarian; Damascus says it will seek his trial by legal means. Russia has kept limited forces and reportedly shipped oil to Syria.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.