Following significant political turmoil, Syria’s new leadership is actively redefining its ties with Russia. The bond between Damascus and Moscow has undergone a significant evolution. In 2015, Russia’s air campaign was instrumental in averting the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime amid the Syrian civil war. Now, in 2024, following Assad’s unexpected removal from power, Russia has offered refuge and backing to him and his family, ensuring their survival during a critical period. Recently, Syria’s acting leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow-marking their inaugural meeting since Assad’s ousting. Thomas Pierret, a noted Syria analyst and Senior Researcher at CNRS’s IREMAM, joined Yinka Oyetade to explore the dynamics of this unexpected alliance. Despite underlying tensions, this partnership is largely a calculated strategy, rooted in the shared imperative of political survival.
Syria and Russia Forge a Powerful Alliance Fueled by Ambitious Military and Geopolitical Goals
