Skip to main content

How Moscow is positioning itself as broker amid Mideast tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin's shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East seeks to gain Russia more power and higher status.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen with Syria's President Bashar al-Assad at Umayyad Mosque, in Damascus, Syria in this handout released by SANA on January 7, 2020. SANA/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE - RC23BE9NJLQX

On Jan. 7, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin made a snap visit to Syria. Putin proceeded from the Damascus airport to the command post of the Russian forces, where he was welcomed by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the two presidents listened to reports from their militaries about the ongoing situations in different parts of Syria.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.