Bangladesh, Feb. 13 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has held a high-level phone conversation with Syrias new leader, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, in a significant diplomatic move following the fall of former President Bashar Assads government. The Kremlin confirmed the call on February 12, stating that discussions between the two leaders were “constructive, business-like, and substantial.” This marks Russias first formal engagement with Syrias new administration since the dramatic leadership shift in late 2024, which saw al-Sharaas Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group seize power in a surprise offensive.

During the conversation, Putin reaffirmed Moscows commitment to Syrias sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, emphasizi...