Kremlin press secretary details talks with Syria, updates on Ukraine dialogue

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to hold talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is currently on a working visit to Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed.

Peskov said that the Russian-Syrian discussions will begin with a working breakfast, followed by a separate meeting between the two leaders, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

He noted that cooperation between Moscow and Damascus has been actively developing since the change in Syria’s leadership.

The Kremlin representative also confirmed that the talks will address the presence of Russian military forces in Syria, adding that questions about troop deployment fall under the jurisdiction of the Russian Ministry of Defence and should be directed there.

Addressing reports of potential negotiations on the extradition of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Peskov said the Kremlin does not comment on matters relating to Assad.

On the topic of Ukraine, Peskov described the initiation of discussions on complex issues at the expert level as progress. He said further advancement of the talks will depend on the constructive engagement of participants, with Russia remaining open to dialogue.

Peskov also welcomed the start of direct contacts on Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, noting that a trilateral group working on the conflict resolution in the United Arab Emirates will continue its work, with agreements reached for further expert-level dialogue.

Finally, the spokesperson reiterated that the Russian Ministry of Defence is the only authority authorised to release official information on military losses, and that any other reports should not be considered reliable.

By Aghakazim Guliyev