Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said Wednesday he wanted to “redefine” relations with Moscow as Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted him in Moscow, their first meeting since key Kremlin ally Bashar al-Assad was ousted last year.

In front of the television cameras, Putin greeted Sharaa warmly at the Kremlin, but behind closed doors the Syrian leader was expected to push for Moscow to extradite Assad, who fled to Moscow after being toppled.

The two were also expected to discuss the status of Russia’s prized military bases in the country — the naval base in Tartus and air base at Hmeimim — the fate of which have been uncertain since the rebel takeover.

Russia was a key ally of Assad during the bloody 14-year Syrian civil war, providing vital military support that kept his forces in pow

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