Watan-Reuters, citing a Syrian source familiar with the talks in Damascus between Syrian officials and a Russian delegation, reported that the head of Syria’s new administration, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, has requested the extradition of ousted President Bashar al-Assad and his close aides who are currently in Russia.
The news agency stated that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on whether this request was raised during the meeting held yesterday (Tuesday) between Al-Sharaa and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said today that the delegation reaffirmed its support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that the visit comes at a “critical moment” for Russian-Syrian relations.
The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister described his talks with Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani as “good, practical, and constructive.”
Bogdanov stated that he expressed Russia’s readiness to help stabilize the situation in Syria and to reach suitable solutions to economic and social problems through direct and constructive dialogue among various political forces and social groups.
Tartus Port Agreement and Russian Military Presence
Regarding the cancellation of the contract between a Russian company and the Syrian side for the use of Tartus Port, Bogdanov explained that it is a technical and commercial issue related to the operations of the Russian company at the port.
He clarified that, according to the Russian delegation’s understanding, the status of Russian facilities in Tartus and Hmeimim has not changed, and both sides agreed to continue discussions on various aspects of cooperation.
Regarding the future of Russia’s Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base in Syria, the Russian official stated that their continued presence would require further negotiations with the Syrian administration.
Satellite Imagery Detects Russian Military Movements
Meanwhile, satellite imagery has reportedly detected Russian military movements at both the Hmeimim and Tartus bases in Syria.
Past Mistakes and Transitional Justice Discussions
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that discussions with the Russians in Damascus focused on key issues, including respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
SANA added that the Russian side expressed support for the ongoing positive changes in Syria and highlighted Russia’s role in rebuilding trust with the Syrian people through concrete measures such as compensation, reconstruction, and recovery efforts.
The agency further stated that both sides discussed mechanisms for transitional justice aimed at ensuring accountability and achieving justice for the victims of the brutal war waged by Assad’s regime.
According to SANA, the Syrian administration reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with all stakeholders in a principled manner to build Syria’s future on foundations of justice, dignity, and sovereignty. It also emphasized that restoring relations should address past mistakes, respect the will of the Syrian people, and serve their interests.
The visit of the Russian delegation—including Bogdanov and Alexander Lavrentiev, the special envoy of President Vladimir Putin—was the first of its kind since the overthrow of Assad’s regime on December 8.
On that day, Assad fled to Russia, which had been one of his main supporters, especially since Russian forces intervened in Syria in 2015 to back Assad’s military.
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