Syria Turns to Russia Once Again in First Visit Since Regime Change

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has declared that Syria wants Russia “by our side,” during a visit to Moscow—the first official trip by a representative of the new Damascus government since the fall of the previous Russian-backed administration, Al Jazeera reported on July 31.

“The current period is full of various challenges and threats, but it is also an opportunity to build a united and strong Syria. And, of course, we are interested in having Russia by our side on this path,” al-Shaibani told Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday, according to a Russian-language translation of his remarks quoted by Al Jazeera.

He acknowledged that ties between the two nations remain complicated, saying: “But, of course, there are a number of factors that determine and complicate these relations on the ground,” and emphasized that any cooperation should be built on “mutual respect”.

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a longtime Russian ally, fled to Moscow last year after being toppled in a rebel offensive that brought an end to five decades of al-Assad family rule.

Read more

Category

Perspectives

What Syrians Think About Ukraine’s Fight Against the Same Aggressor, Russia

Dec 16, 2024 13:06

Although Russia and the current interim government in Damascus—led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa—were once adversaries during the civil war, the new leadership has signaled a more pragmatic stance toward Moscow, Al Jazeera wrote. Russia had carried out airstrikes against Syrian opposition forces to prop up Assad’s regime during the early years of the conflict.

In January, a Russian delegation visited Damascus, and in February, Vladimir Putin held what the Kremlin called a “constructive and business-like” phone call with al-Sharaa. Despite regime change, some Russian troops remain stationed at military bases along Syria’s coast, and Moscow has reportedly continued to supply Syria with oil.

Earlier in March, the British Royal Navy tracked the movement of a Russian military and cargo convoy through the English Channel, which may be transporting both evacuated equipment from Syria and weaponry bound for the front lines in Ukraine, according to UK OSINT analysts UK Forces Tracker and Navylookout.

Fundraiser For Peaceful Nights

$1,500,000 towards 10 Ukrainian AI-Controlled Turrets.

Donate