Big Deal in Moscow: Assad at Risk of Extradition
Big Deal in Moscow: Assad at Risk of Extradition
According to Iran Gate News Agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin held an official meeting with Ahmad Shara, the interim president of Syria, in Moscow to discuss sensitive topics such as the extradition of Bashar al-Assad, the future of Russian military bases in Syria, and Russia’s role in the developments in the south of the country. This meeting gained double importance following Damascus’ official request for Assad’s handover amidst regional and international pressures.
Vladimir Putin’s Meeting with Interim Syrian President: Extradition of Bashar al-Assad at the Core of Talks
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Ahmad Shara, the interim president of Syria, in Moscow. According to reports, one of the main topics of this meeting was the consideration of the potential extradition of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
This meeting took place only ten months after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, one of Moscow’s strategic allies in Damascus. Ahmad Shara arrived in the Russian capital today at the head of a high-level delegation to discuss the future of bilateral relations and ongoing sensitive issues.
At the beginning of this meeting, the Russian President emphasized that Russia has always considered the interests of the Syrian people in its dealings with Damascus and has avoided engaging in purely political calculations.
Some Syrian sources have stated that Ahmad Shara requested the extradition of Bashar al-Assad and several other Syrian citizens accused of committing war crimes who have taken refuge in Russia during these negotiations. Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia and received political asylum in early December 2024 after being ousted by a coalition of his opponents.
Another important topic of these talks is the future of two key Russian military bases in Syria: the Hmeimim Air Base in Latakia province and the naval facilities at Tartus port. These two bases played a vital role during Russia’s military support of Bashar al-Assad.
Russian forces directed operations against Assad’s opponents from these bases, among whom Ahmad Shara was also present.
According to a Reuters report, Ahmad Shara hopes to secure Russian support against Israel’s demands for the creation of a large demilitarized zone in southern Syria within the framework of these negotiations and in exchange for economic concessions such as the resumption of wheat imports under preferential terms.
An informed source, who wished to remain anonymous, announced that the interim Syrian leader might propose the redeployment of Russian military police as a guarantee against potential Israeli attacks and violations of Syrian airspace.
But will Moscow be willing to return Bashar al-Assad to Damascus?
Reuters wrote in an analysis that Russia has always prided itself on supporting its allies abroad and is unlikely to agree to the extradition of Bashar al-Assad. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had previously emphasized that Moscow granted asylum to Assad and his family for humanitarian reasons and considering the threat to their lives.
In an interview with the New York Times in April, Ahmad Shara stated that Damascus’ request for Assad’s extradition was sent to Moscow last winter but was rejected by Russia.
He emphasized that Syria does not intend to sever its strategic relations with Russia and is ready to begin constructive dialogues with the Kremlin.
Shara clarified that Russia is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the Syrian army’s weapons are mostly Russian-made, and we have numerous agreements in the field of food and energy supply with this country that we have relied on for years.
Russian Military Bases in Syria: Continuation or Reduction of Presence
After the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, although Russian forces have maintained control of their bases, some reports indicate a significant reduction in Russian military activities, including the reduction of equipment and containers at the Tartus port and the transfer of some military equipment from the Hmeimim base.
In 2017, an agreement between Moscow and Damascus was signed, allowing Russia to use these two bases for 49 years, until 2066. At the time of Assad’s fall, about 7,500 Russian military personnel were stationed at these bases.
However, there are various estimates regarding the amount of remaining equipment and forces available, and some media outlets have reported a renewed increase in the activity of these two bases in recent weeks.
The Tartus naval base, established by the Soviet Union in the 1970s, has been under Russian modernization projects since 2012 and has recently served as a support hub for the Russian fleet in the Mediterranean.
In this base, operations such as refueling, repairs, and logistical supply for ships are carried out.
The Hmeimim Air Base, operational since 2015, is known as the main center for Russian air operations against Bashar al-Assad’s opponents.
