Syria’s New Leader Demands Assad’s Extradition and Reparations from Russia
Talks between Moscow and Syria’s new government place Russian military bases and Bashar al-Assad’s fate at the center of negotiations.
High-stakes negotiations between Russia and Syria’s newly installed leadership are underway, with Syria demanding the extradition of former President Bashar al-Assad and reparations for years of Russian military involvement.
The talks come as Russia scrambles to secure its two strategic military bases in Syria amid shifting alliances and a political overhaul in Damascus.
Following the December 2024 ousting of Assad, Moscow dispatched a delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov to meet with Syria’s interim leader, Abu Muhammad al-Julani.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, al-Julani has insisted that Russia hand over Assad, who fled to Moscow last month after losing control of Damascus, along with his family.
In addition to Assad’s extradition, Syria is seeking compensation and reconstruction aid from Russia, citing extensive damage caused by years of airstrikes during the civil conflict.
Damascus argues that such steps are necessary for rebuilding trust with the Syrian population after Moscow’s direct involvement in military campaigns that propped up Assad’s regime.
Russia’s naval base in Tartus and the Hmeimim airbase near Latakia are crucial components of Moscow’s power projection in the region.
Losing access to these bases would deal a severe blow to Russia’s military presence in the Middle East and its ability to influence regional affairs.
However, Syria’s new leadership has made it clear that future agreements will require a reevaluation of past deals, including the possible termination of Russia’s 49-year lease on the Tartus port.
During the talks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the discussions as "candid," confirming that both sides are working to reach "relevant agreements." However, he declined to comment on whether Russia is considering extraditing Assad or agreeing to financial compensation.
Observers note that Moscow faces a delicate balancing act.
While maintaining its strategic foothold in Syria is a priority, the new government’s demands reflect growing pressure for Russia to acknowledge its role in the destruction wrought during the civil war.
For now, the fate of Assad, the future of Russia’s military bases, and Syria’s demands for reparations remain unresolved, as both sides prepare for further rounds of negotiations.
The talks come as Russia scrambles to secure its two strategic military bases in Syria amid shifting alliances and a political overhaul in Damascus.
Following the December 2024 ousting of Assad, Moscow dispatched a delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov to meet with Syria’s interim leader, Abu Muhammad al-Julani.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, al-Julani has insisted that Russia hand over Assad, who fled to Moscow last month after losing control of Damascus, along with his family.
In addition to Assad’s extradition, Syria is seeking compensation and reconstruction aid from Russia, citing extensive damage caused by years of airstrikes during the civil conflict.
Damascus argues that such steps are necessary for rebuilding trust with the Syrian population after Moscow’s direct involvement in military campaigns that propped up Assad’s regime.
Russia’s naval base in Tartus and the Hmeimim airbase near Latakia are crucial components of Moscow’s power projection in the region.
Losing access to these bases would deal a severe blow to Russia’s military presence in the Middle East and its ability to influence regional affairs.
However, Syria’s new leadership has made it clear that future agreements will require a reevaluation of past deals, including the possible termination of Russia’s 49-year lease on the Tartus port.
During the talks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the discussions as "candid," confirming that both sides are working to reach "relevant agreements." However, he declined to comment on whether Russia is considering extraditing Assad or agreeing to financial compensation.
Observers note that Moscow faces a delicate balancing act.
While maintaining its strategic foothold in Syria is a priority, the new government’s demands reflect growing pressure for Russia to acknowledge its role in the destruction wrought during the civil war.
For now, the fate of Assad, the future of Russia’s military bases, and Syria’s demands for reparations remain unresolved, as both sides prepare for further rounds of negotiations.
