Russia Secures Assad Asylum As Syria Faces New Leadership After Rebel Win

Russia has safely transported Syrian ousted president Bashar al-Assad, following his removal from power in a swift rebel offensive. Russia Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed in an NBC News interview on Tuesday that Assad was securely brought to Russia, with the Kremlin granting him asylum after his dramatic fall.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin made the decision to offer asylum to Assad, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Syria. The ousting of Assad is a major blow to both Iran and Russia, which had long supported his regime during Syria’s 13-year civil war, despite calls from the West for his removal.

Ryabkov, in his interview, emphasized Russia’s role in safeguarding Assad, calling the operation an “extraordinary situation.” However, he refrained from providing specifics on the details of Assad’s transportation. Regarding the possibility of Assad facing trial, Ryabkov clarified that Russia, not being a party to the International Criminal Court, would not comply with such requests.

Assad’s fall has also paved the way for a new leadership in Syria. On Tuesday, Syria’s interim leader announced that he would take charge as caretaker prime minister with the support of the rebels who had removed Assad from power.

In a separate matter, Ryabkov discussed the possibility of future prisoner swaps, similar to the August exchange involving Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich and ex-US Marine Paul Whelan. He expressed openness to such exchanges, seeing it as a positive move for international relations under the next administration.