New Syrian Leadership Pressures Russia for Assad's Delivery

SYSyrian Arab Republic|

Following the rapid fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, a newly established Syrian leadership is reportedly demanding Russia to hand over the ousted president, intensifying Moscow's diplomatic challenges. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, there are daily communications with the new Syrian authorities, though Russia's military interests are now at stake, complicating their relationship (NZZ, January 31, 2025).

This week, a senior Russian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov visited Syria, acknowledging the difficult circumstances. Bogdanov stated that Russia is ready to assist, yet emphasized that discussions regarding military bases require further negotiations.

However, the transitional government in Damascus expressed the need for Russia to regain the trust of the Syrian populace through tangible actions, which includes compensation payments and rebuilding efforts. Reports from Reuters also suggest that the new leadership conditions the preservation of Russian military bases on Assad’s surrender, placing Russia in a precarious position regarding its commitments to the former regime (Bloomberg).

Russia's credibility as a security partner is at risk, with the loss of military assets like the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus port potentially imminent, further complicating its geopolitical strategy in the region.

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