Russia's Lavrov discusses relations with Syria’s new administration

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Thursday that Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Shara (formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani), described the relationship between Syria and Russia as long-standing and strategic, a view shared by Moscow.

Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov confirmed on Monday that Russia maintains diplomatic and military contact with Syria's new administration.

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This comes after Russia granted asylum to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family earlier this month, following a sudden takeover by armed factions that met little resistance from the Syrian army.

Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Russia has achieved its objectives in Syria, emphasizing that Moscow has not been defeated there. He also stated that Russia will review the future of its military bases in Syria, with a proposal to use its air and naval bases for humanitarian purposes in addition to their primary roles.

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