Putin, Still Harboring Assad, Welcomes New Syrian Leader to Moscow Again NYT Par :Paul Sonne 28 janvier 2026 à 13:14 President Vladimir V. Putin and President Ahmed al-Sharaa are looking to build ties after the fall of the Russia-backed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. © Ramil Sitdikov/ReutersPresident Vladimir V. Putin of Russia at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow this month.