Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has officially requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to extradite former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, who has been residing in Russia since his ousting in December 2024.
Following a takeover by the radical group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in December 2024, Assad resigned and sought asylum in Russia. In the subsequent months, Syria has experienced ongoing unrest, particularly in Alawite-majority regions, leading to approximately 1,500 fatalities. The interim government, led by al-Sharaa, has been working to stabilize the nation and recently established a constitutional framework for a five-year transitional period.
On March 20, President Putin sent a message to President al-Sharaa, expressing support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and offering Russia’s practical cooperation on various issues. However, Russia has not publicly responded to the extradition request, and Kremlin officials have declined to comment on the matter.
The extradition request underscores the complexities in Syria-Russia relations, as both nations navigate the post-Assad era. Russia has been seeking to maintain its strategic military presence in Syria, negotiating the future of its bases and economic interests in the region. The outcome of the extradition request remains uncertain, reflecting the delicate balance of geopolitical interests in the Middle East.
