Moscow [Russia]: In the aftermath of the political upheaval in Syria, Russia has granted asylum to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family, according to a Kremlin source cited by TASS.
The decision follows the dramatic fall of Assad’s regime after Syrian rebels entered Damascus on Sunday, ending his over two-decade rule. Assad and his family have reportedly arrived in Moscow under “humanitarian considerations.”
“Russia has always spoken in favour of a political settlement of the Syrian crisis. We insist that the UN-mediated talks be resumed,” the source told TASS.
Russian officials are reportedly maintaining contact with representatives of the armed Syrian opposition, who have guaranteed the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic missions within Syria.
Russia Calls for Political Solutions
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed grave concern over the developments in Syria, urging all parties to renounce violence and pursue peaceful negotiations.
“We are following the dramatic events in Syria with extreme concern. As a result of negotiations between Bashar al-Assad and participants in the armed conflict, he decided to leave the presidential post and the country, giving instructions to transfer power peacefully. Russia did not participate in these negotiations,” the ministry stated.
The ministry reiterated its support for an inclusive political process guided by UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
“In this regard, the Russian Federation is in contact with all groups of the Syrian opposition. We call for respect for the opinions of all ethno-confessional forces of Syrian society and support efforts to establish an inclusive political process,” the statement added.
Assad’s Departure and Civil War Escalation
The Syrian civil war, which had been relatively dormant in recent years, reignited with unprecedented intensity in recent weeks. Rebel groups rapidly captured key cities, including Aleppo, Homs, and Daraa, before taking Damascus unopposed on Sunday, marking the end of the Assad family’s nearly six-decade rule.
Hadi al-Bahra, head of Syria’s main opposition group abroad, confirmed Assad’s departure, stating, “Damascus is now without Bashar al-Assad.”
“The tyrant Bashar al-Assad has fled,” the armed opposition declared in a statement.