Russian leader Vladimir Putin has met for the first time with Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Source: Meduza, a Latvia-based Russian media outlet

Details: The Kremlin's official Telegram channel released a video of the meeting on 15 October.

"For many decades, our countries have developed a special relationship," Putin said. "For over 80 years, we have maintained diplomatic ties – established in 1944, during some of the most difficult years for Russia, for the Soviet Union. Throughout this time, relations between Syria and Russia have always been exceptionally friendly."

Earlier, a Reuters source said that during the meeting with Putin, al-Sharaa intended to demand the extradition of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who was granted asylum in Russia after being ousted from power. In his home country, Assad is accused of numerous extrajudicial executions motivated by politics.

A few days ago, German outlet Die Zeit, citing its sources, reported that Assad is living in the Moscow City residential complex, where his family owns around 20 luxury apartments. One source said that the former Syrian president now spends much of his time playing video games.

Background:

• On 25 September, Syria's Ministry of Justice issued an arrest warrant in absentia for former president Bashar Hafez al-Assad, accusing him of premeditated murder, incitement of civil war and torture resulting in death.
• Ukraine welcomed Syria's decision to issue the arrest warrant and expressed support for all efforts aimed at bringing Assad to justice.

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