Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa is set to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow, with discussions expected to focus on Russia's military bases in Syria and the future of bilateral relations. The meeting comes after Sharaa's forces ousted former Syrian President Bashar Assad, whom Russia continues to shelter, creating ongoing diplomatic tensions. Russia's influence in the Middle East has diminished since Assad's removal, and the Kremlin is now seeking to secure its remaining military outposts in Syria. Meanwhile, Sharaa has strengthened ties with the United States, receiving praise from President Donald Trump, even as concerns grow over renewed conflict in Syria's northeast and the potential resurgence of extremist groups.