New Syrian authorities call for Bashar Al-Assad's return from Russia

The new Syrian authorities have reportedly called on Russia to return deposed former President Bashar Al-Assad and his close aides. This demand comes amid renewed diplomatic negotiations between the two nations following the recent changes in Syria's leadership.

A Russian delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Special Envoy Alexander Lavrentyev, held discussions with Syrian officials, including interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. This meeting marked the first official diplomatic engagement between the Russian government and Syria's new authorities since the ousting of the late dictator Bashar Al-Assad.

According to Reuters, citing an unnamed source close to the situation, the interim government expressed its desire for Assad, who fled to Moscow after losing control of Damascus on Dec. 8, 2025, to be returned to Syria along with his aides. The intention behind this request appears to be a legal reckoning for their actions during his presidency.

In addition to the return of Assad, Sharaa urged the Russian delegation to address past grievances, seeking compensation and acknowledgment of "past mistakes," particularly regarding Russia's long-standing support for the Assad regime and the military's actions throughout the 13-year civil war, which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties.

However, the Russian delegation reportedly showed reluctance to meet these demands, maintaining a stance of non-compliance regarding accountability for past actions. The only consensus reached during the talks was an agreement to continue discussions in the future.