Russia and Syria Strengthen Ties Amid Ongoing Military Campaign

Since September 2015, Russia has been actively involved in Syria, collaborating with Iran to support President Bashar al-Assad's government against armed opposition groups. Despite shifting its military focus primarily to Ukraine, Russia continues to maintain a significant military presence in Syria, with troops stationed at various bases. Recent statements from the Kremlin indicate a growing concern over escalating tensions in the region, particularly in relation to Syria. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Assad, marking their first meeting since March 2023, which coincided with the anniversary of Syria's civil war. During their discussions, Putin reiterated the importance of the Russian military's role in stabilizing Syria. Assad, through a translator, emphasized the significance of their meeting in light of current global events, although specific details of their talks were not disclosed. A key topic of interest during the meeting may have been the potential restoration of diplomatic relations between Syria and Turkey. Russia, a staunch ally of Assad, has also fostered ties with Turkey and has previously facilitated discussions between Syrian and Turkish officials. Reports surfaced last week suggesting a possible meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Assad in Moscow, although Turkish officials later denied these claims. Assad has made it clear that for relations with Turkey to normalize, Turkish troops must withdraw from northern Syria, and Ankara must cease its support for insurgent groups that Damascus labels as "terrorists." This ongoing dialogue highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.