Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the Syrian delegation arrived in Moscow today, October 15, marking his first Russian visit since assuming office. The high-level trip, which includes Syria’s ministers of foreign affairs, defense, and intelligence, is aimed at reshaping the foundation of Syrian-Russian relations.
According to exclusive information obtained by Levant24 (L24) from sources close to the Syrian government, the visit signals the start of a new phase based on “independent decision-making and full national sovereignty.” The sources described the meetings as an effort to “reorganize the relationship between Russia and the new Syrian state on the basis of equality and mutual respect, not dependency.”
President Sharaa is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss key security and political files, including the presence of Russian forces in Syria and the future of joint economic projects.
Security and Sanctions at the Forefront
The Syrian delegation’s composition—particularly the inclusion of the intelligence chief—indicates the priority of sensitive security discussions. L24 sources said the talks would address “the legacy of the previous regime” and ongoing issues related to foreign military presence inside Syria.
The visit also carries significant diplomatic weight, as Damascus looks to Moscow to help ease international sanctions through channels at the UN Security Council. President Sharaa is expected to emphasize Syria’s historical partnership with Russia, which extends back to the Soviet era, while making clear that cooperation must now reflect the realities of a post-conflict Syria.
“The relationship is shifting from military dependency to strategic cooperation,” one senior Syrian source told L24. “Russia’s role in the war phase was decisive, but its role in reconstruction must be equally constructive and fully aligned with Syrian interests.”
Balancing Sovereignty and Global Partnerships
Central to the visit is Sharaa’s message that Syria will pursue a balanced foreign policy—neither aligned with the Eastern nor Western blocs. The new government has made clear that post-Assad Syria is an “independent state seeking constructive relations with all global powers” while maintaining its territorial integrity as a non-negotiable principle.
Earlier this week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, said that both sides seek a “relationship based on respect for sovereignty.” Lavrov also reiterated that Russian military bases in Syria would remain “only as long as necessary” and could be used for humanitarian coordination in the future.
Toward a Redefined Partnership
Analysts view this visit as a test of how far Syria can go in asserting autonomy while maintaining Russia’s support amid shifting regional dynamics. Both governments have indicated that future cooperation will focus on reconstruction, economic development, and stability across the Middle East. As a source told L24, “This visit is not about the past—it’s about defining Syria’s place in the new regional order.”
