Middle East

Assad Makes Unannounced Trip to Moscow to Discuss Syria With Putin

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia called his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al-Assad, to Moscow for an unannounced visit to discuss their joint military campaign and a political transition in Syria, the Kremlin announced on Wednesday.

According to a transcript posted on the Kremlin’s website, Mr. Putin met Mr. Assad late Tuesday and told him that Russia was ready to contribute not only to the fight against terrorism but also to a political settlement of the conflict that has raged for more than four years. Mr. Assad, in turn, briefed the Russian leader aboutthe situation on the ground and on next steps.