Assad seeks increased Russian presence in Syria during Moscow visit.

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has welcomed any Russian proposals to set up new military bases and boost troop numbers in the country, suggesting Russia's military presence there should become permanent. Assad has supported Russia's war in Ukraine and recognises the territories claimed by Russia in Ukraine. Syria would welcome any Russian proposals to set up new military bases and boost Russian troop numbers, and said they need not be temporary. Russia intervened in the Syrian Civil War in 2015, helping tip the balance in Assad's favour, ensuring the Syrian leader's survival despite Western demands that he be toppled.