Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is accelerating Damascus’s efforts to redefine its relationship with Moscow, seeking to open a new chapter between the two countries based on shared interests rather than hostility.

Syria's new leaders believe it is beneficial to maintain friendly relations with the Kremlin, hoping to secure its support in UN votes, as well as energy, grain, and perhaps even weapons.

As Syria tackles fuel and energy shortages through international partnerships and secures resources for reconstruction, it is also reviving key export sectors, with the phosphate industry at the forefront to offset revenue shortfalls.

Bloomberg recently revealed that Russia is close to reaching a deal with the Syrian interim administration that would allow it to maintain a limited military presence in Syria.

The EU is trying to engage in a high-stakes battle with Russia by pressuring the new Syrian administration to end the Russian military presence on Syrian soil in exchange for lifting or easing sanctions on Damascus.