Asylum
Russian President Vladimir Putin personally approved the asylum request of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the Kremlin confirmed on Monday.
This announcement follows reports that Assad and his family had fled to Russia after Damascus fell to armed opposition forces over the weekend.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed the matter during a press briefing, stating that no meeting had been scheduled between Putin and Assad.
Peskov declined to comment further on Assad’s exact location. However, when questioned about the process of granting political asylum, he emphasized that such decisions are made directly by the head of state.
“Decisions of this magnitude cannot proceed without the president’s approval; it is his prerogative,” Peskov explained.
Mikhail Ulyanov, a senior Russian diplomat, confirmed earlier in the day that Assad and his family had indeed arrived in Moscow. Ulyanov framed the asylum as a demonstration of Russia’s steadfast loyalty to its allies, even in times of crisis.
“Russia does not abandon its friends during challenging moments, unlike certain Western nations,” Ulyanov remarked, taking a veiled jab at the United States.
On Sunday, Russian media reported that Assad and his family were granted asylum on humanitarian grounds.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, this development came after Assad agreed to step down as part of negotiations with armed opposition factions.
The ministry noted that Assad had instructed his officials to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power, marking the conclusion of his long and controversial presidency.
The dramatic shift in Syria’s political landscape unfolded rapidly as opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other anti-government groups, seized control of Damascus on Saturday.
Their swift offensive across several regions culminated in the capture of the capital, ending years of fierce resistance from Assad’s regime.
This development highlights Russia’s continued role in Middle Eastern geopolitics, reflecting its willingness to protect key allies amidst international upheaval.
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