Russian President Vladimir Putin has personally approved the granting of asylum to former Syrian President Bashar Assad and his family following the dramatic fall of Damascus to opposition forces. This development underscores Moscow’s commitment to its allies during challenging circumstances and highlights the precarious nature of Syria’s political landscape after more than a decade of civil war.
The Kremlin’s confirmation of Assad’s arrival in Moscow comes after reports of his ousting from power following the Syrian capital’s rapid seizure by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadists and US-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) militants. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, confirmed on December 9 that Putin himself approved the asylum, stating, “Such decisions cannot be made without the head of state; it is his decision.” Despite confirming Assad’s presence, Peskov noted that no meeting between Putin and Assad is planned.
The fall of Damascus represents a significant turning point in Syria’s civil conflict, which began in 2011. This sudden collapse followed years of fragile truces, brokered with significant input from Moscow and Ankara, and a prolonged stalemate on the battlefield. The events leading to Assad’s departure suggest a rapid unraveling of his government’s authority, further exacerbated by the resurgence of militant groups.
Mikhail Ulyanov, a senior Russian diplomat, reaffirmed Russia’s steadfast support for Assad, contrasting Moscow’s approach with Washington’s. “Russia does not betray its friends in difficult situations… unlike the US,” he said, highlighting the strategic depth of Moscow’s alliances. Ulyanov’s comments echo the sentiment that........