Deposed Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad and his family have arrived in Moscow, where they have reportedly been granted asylum by Russia, according to Russian state media outlet TASS.
The development follows the dramatic fall of Assad’s regime after a large-scale offensive by Syrian rebel forces. On Sunday morning, opposition fighters advanced into Damascus, securing the capital and forcing government forces to retreat.
TASS reported that Assad “resigned” during intra-Syrian negotiations before fleeing the country. His arrival in Moscow signals an end to his 13-year rule, which saw Syria engulfed in a prolonged civil war.
The swift collapse of Assad’s regime is expected to reshape the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Analysts suggest that the failure of Assad’s allies- Russia and Iran, to provide adequate support during the final stages of the conflict has weakened their influence in the region.
US President-elect Donald Trump weighed in, attributing Assad’s downfall to the diminished capacities of his primary backers.
“His protector, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, was no longer interested in protecting him,” Trump stated, citing Russia’s focus on the Ukraine war and economic struggles. He also pointed to Iran’s setbacks against Israeli military operations.
Despite hosting Assad, the Kremlin appears to be pivoting toward engagement with Syria’s new rebel leadership. TASS quoted a Kremlin source affirming Russia’s commitment to a political settlement and UN-mediated talks.
“Russia has always supported a political resolution to the Syrian crisis. We are in touch with representatives of the armed Syrian opposition, who have guaranteed the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic missions in Syria,” the source said.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated the organization’s role in supporting Syrians during the country’s transition.
“We will work with the Syrian people to determine the country’s future,” he pledged.