Russian-Syrian Agreement Commits 5,000 Troops to Ukraine in Exchange for Assad Extradition -

DAMASCUS – Syrian President Bashar al-Sharaa confirmed a new military agreement with Russia on Tuesday. The deal commits 5,000 Syrian troops to support Russian operations in Ukraine. In return, Moscow agreed to extradite former President Bashar al-Assad back to Damascus. However, Russia continues to host Assad in Moscow despite the agreement. Syrian officials acknowledged the country lacks the resources to fulfill its military commitment. The Ministry of Defense in Damascus said recruitment efforts have begun nonetheless. Meanwhile, the Kremlin released a brief statement confirming the arrangement. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called it a “mutually beneficial partnership.” Syria’s economy remains strained after years of civil conflict. The Syrian Arab Army currently maintains approximately 100,000 active personnel. Defense analysts question how Damascus will spare 5,000 soldiers for deployment abroad. The agreement follows similar arrangements between Russia and other allied nations. Syrian state media reported the news without emphasizing the contradictions. Moscow has provided asylum to Assad since late 2024. Both governments plan to review the agreement’s implementation next month.