On February 12, 2025, the Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed Al-Sharaa—the first such contact since Bashar Al-Assad’s regime collapsed in December.
Putin reaffirmed Russia’s support for Syria’s territorial unity and wished Al-Sharaa success in leading the country. The Syrian presidency emphasized the strategic ties between both nations and Syria’s openness to all parties for stability and national interests.
Discussions covered Syria’s political roadmap, the revision of past Russian agreements, and lifting economic sanctions. Putin also invited Syria’s Foreign Minister, Assad Al-Sheibani, for an official visit to Moscow.
