Syria's leader al-Sharaa in Moscow for talks with Putin

Syrian President Ahmad al‑Sharaa visited Moscow for talks with Vladimir Putin, who highlighted growing political and economic cooperation. Sharaa, who toppled former ally Bashar Assad in 2024, praised Russia’s support for Syria’s territorial unity and urged continued help with reconstruction. Despite Assad now taking refuge in Russia, Syria is pressing for his extradition as Moscow seeks to preserve its remaining military bases in the country.