Syria's new government has allegedly requested that Russia hand over former President Bashar al-Assad and his close aides, Reuters reported on Jan. 28, citing a Syrian source close to the matter. The demand was reportedly raised during the first negotiations between Syrian officials and a Kremlin delegation following Assad's ouster by rebels in

A Russian delegation tells Damascus it wants certain Syrian opposition groups included in the upcoming national dialogue conference

Russian Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on a report by the Syrian news agency SANA that the new Syrian authorities allegedly asked Moscow for compensation "to restore trust" and demanded the extradition of former President Bashar al-Assad.

It already appears evident that the days of Russia serving as its leading arms supplier have come to an ignominious end.

Russia reaffirms its commitment to maintain a permanent dialogue with Syria's new leadership after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.

Russian delegation held 'constructive' talks with new Syrian administration, says deputy foreign minister - Anadolu Ajansı

DAMASCUS, Syria — A delegation of Russian officials arrived in Damascus on Tuesday for the first such visit to Syria since the fall of former President Bashar Assad. Assad, an ally of Moscow, took refuge in Russia after his ouster in December in a lightning rebel offensive.

Russia has sent a delegation to Damascus following the ousting of its ally, President Bashar al-Assad. The delegation, aimed at engaging with Syria's new leadership, includes key Russian diplomats. Moscow aims to maintain its naval and air bases in Tartous and Latakia.

Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on Wednesday abolished the country’s constitution and declared himself president during a meeting of armed factions in Damascus.

Russia, a longtime supporter of Assad’s regime, provided military assistance to bolster Assad against rebel forces throughout Syria’s protracted civil war.

The first Russian official delegation to visit Syria since the toppling of long-term Moscow ally Bashar al-Assad has arrived in Damascus, Russian news agencies reported on Tuesday.