The dictator of Syria is negotiating with Putin the handover of Assad in exchange for new Russian bases.

This Wednesday, the interim dictator of Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, made his first official visit to Moscow since he assumed power after the fall of former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

During the meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, both leaders addressed a complex agenda focused on redefining bilateral relations, with an emphasis on Russia's strategic interests in the eastern Mediterranean and the future of the former Syrian leader exiled in Moscow.

Sharaa expressed at the Kremlin his intention to "restore and redefine" the relations between both countries, highlighting the importance of the historic ties between Syria and Russia, but making it clear that the new stage must be based on pragmatic and balanced cooperation.

Meanwhile, Putin praised the historic ties between both nations and expressed his hope to expand them, describing the recent parliamentary elections held in Syria as a "great success," which he said will help consolidate society.

One of the most sensitive topics addressed was the situation of Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia after being overthrown by a coalition of opposition groups in December 2024.

Sharaa, in previous statements and during an interview with the American program 60 Minutes, has been clear in his position: his government is determined to "use all available legal means" to bring Assad to justice for crimes committed during the Syrian civil war.

Sources close to the Syrian government revealed that one of the main objectives of the visit was to officially request Russia to hand over Assad, as well as other individuals involved in war crimes who are in Russian territory.

This demand comes in a context where the new leadership in Damascus seeks to break with the legacy of the previous regime, while also trying to maintain a stable relationship with Moscow, which is crucial for the reconstruction of the country devastated by more than a decade of conflict.

In exchange for Assad's extradition, the Syrian government would be willing to negotiate an agreement that allows Russia to maintain its military bases on Syrian territory, specifically the naval base in Tartus and the air base in Hmeimim, both located on the country's strategic Mediterranean coast.

These facilities represent Russia's only permanent military outposts outside the former Soviet sphere and are key to its power projection in the region. In turn, as part of the agreement, Syria would be willing to expand the presence of Russian bases in Damascus.

Although Sharaa did not explicitly mention the issue of the bases in his public statements, the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed that the future of these facilities was on the meeting's agenda.

It also emerged that the Syrian delegation raised economic issues, such as Russian investments and the rearmament of the new Syrian army, highlighting the importance of cooperation in sectors such as energy, food, and reconstruction.

Despite the regime change, Syria has opted for a pragmatic policy toward Moscow. Although both were on opposite sides during the conflict, Russia militarily supported Assad for years, the new government recognizes Russia's influence and strategic weight.

Moscow, meanwhile, has kept a low profile in Syria since it redirected its military focus toward Ukraine, but remains interested in preserving its presence in the Arab country.