Putin and Syria's new leader, al-Sharaa, spoke on the phone for the first time.

As reported by the Kremlin, Putin confirmed Moscow's readiness to assist in improving the socio-economic situation in Syria, including the provision of humanitarian aid. The parties discussed cooperation in trade, economics, education, and other areas.

Ash-Sharaa noted the "strong strategic relations" between the countries during his conversation with Putin, as stated in an announcement from the Syrian head's office following the talks.

"Ash-Sharaa emphasized <...> Syria's openness to cooperation, provided it serves the interests of the Syrian people," the Syrian side reported.

Ahmed Ash-Sharaa (also known as Mohammad al-Julani) is the leader of the radical group "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham," which is banned in many countries, including the USA, EU member states, and Russia. Previously, Ash-Sharaa participated in combat against the regime of former President Bashar Assad and the Russian forces supporting him.

In early December of last year, anti-government forces led by "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" launched an offensive against positions held by Assad's troops and took control of Damascus. Assad fled to Russia.

Moscow is negotiating with the new authorities in Damascus, seeking to maintain its military bases in Tartus and Khmeimim. Meanwhile, investigative journalists from Radio Free Europe believe that Russia has removed a significant portion of its military assets from Syria.

At the end of January, for the first time since the change of power in Syria, a delegation from the Russian Foreign Ministry visited the country. Reuters, citing a source in Syrian ruling circles, reported that de facto Syrian leader Ahmed Ash-Sharaa requested the extradition of Assad from Moscow during the negotiations. This demand has not been officially disclosed.