It already appears evident that the days of Russia serving as its leading arms supplier have come to an ignominious end.

Russia reaffirms its commitment to maintain a permanent dialogue with Syria's new leadership after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.

Russia said on Wednesday it had held "frank" discussions with Syria's new de facto leader as it tries to retain its two military bases in the country, but it declined to comment on what he was demanding in return.

Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on Wednesday abolished the country’s constitution and declared himself president during a meeting of armed factions in Damascus.

A Russian delegation voiced support for Syria's sovereignty as it met the new administration in Damascus on Tuesday, marking the first such visit to the war-torn country since the fall of the Assad regime. Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, and Presidential Special Envoy for Syria Alexander Lavrentiev met Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Russia’s deputy foreign minister and a special envoy arrived in Damascus. Theirs was the first such visit since President Bashar al-Assad fled the country, according to Russian state news.

Russia deployed troops to Syria in 2015 to support Assad regime's brutal crackdown against anti-government forces.

A delegation of Russian officials is in Damascus, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported. It is the first such visit to Syria since the fall in December of former President Bashar Assad, an ally of Moscow.

Russia's long-held military presence at Tartus fell into uncertainty after the collapse of the Assad regime last month.

Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's pick to be director of national intelligence, is set to go before lawmakers Thursday for a confirmation hearing likely to focus on some of her past views on Russia and Syria.