Russia Grants Asylum to Ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Amid Regional Shifts

Following the dramatic fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russia has extended asylum to the ousted leader, securely transporting him to Russian territory. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed the move in an NBC News interview on Tuesday, stating that Russia acted as required in such an extraordinary situation. The Kremlin had announced its decision on Monday, with President Vladimir Putin offering refuge to Assad, despite the geopolitical ramifications of his ouster.

In his remarks to the media, Ryabkov refrained from detailing how Assad’s departure was managed but assured that he had been safely secured in Russia. When questioned about whether Russia would hand over Assad to face trial, Ryabkov firmly stated that Russia was not a party to the International Criminal Court’s conventions, implying that Assad would not be extradited. This stance highlights Russia's continued backing of Assad despite international criticism of his regime's role in the Syrian Civil War.

Despite the setback caused by Assad’s downfall, the Kremlin has downplayed the impact on its regional influence, asserting that its primary focus remains on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia would continue to maintain contacts with all relevant parties in the region, including the new Syrian leaders who have emerged following Assad's fall.