Russia has signaled renewed efforts to reassert its influence in Syria following the military and political shifts after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Moscow’s former ally.

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.

China recently hosted the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, followed by a military parade to mark the defeat of Japan in World War II – all accompanied by bilateral meetings with leaders of several allied countries.

Another round of consultations is expected to restore relations between Russia and the U.S. to normal, a development that could have implications for foreign affairs in countries where Moscow and Washington continue to influence political and security stability, notably Syria.