Russia Confirms Bashar al-Assad’s Presence on Its Soil After Syrian Collapse

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov confirmed on Tuesday, December 10, that Bashar al-Assad, the ousted Syrian leader, is currently in Russia following his removal from power. This comes days after an offensive by rebel and Islamist forces toppled his regime.

“Bashar al-Assad is safe in Russia,” stated Ryabkov, adding that the Kremlin facilitated the dictator’s evacuation “in the most secure way possible.” Speaking to NBC News, the Russian official refrained from providing details about Assad’s current situation, remarking that it would be “highly inappropriate” for him to elaborate on how the escape was orchestrated.

Russia Advocates for Syria’s Unity and Sovereignty

When addressing the question of Assad’s succession, Ryabkov emphasized Moscow’s steadfast belief that Syria must remain “sovereign, unified, and whole,” regardless of which party assumes leadership in the war-torn nation.

Asked whether Russia would extradite Assad to face trial at the International Criminal Court, Ryabkov clarified, “Russia is not a party to the convention that established the ICC,” suggesting that the Kremlin would not cooperate in such a scenario.

Kremlin’s Ambiguity and the Ongoing Syrian Crisis

On Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to confirm Assad’s presence in Russia, stating, “I have nothing to say about President Assad’s whereabouts,” and adding that there were no official meetings planned between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Assad.

Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2012, the conflict has claimed over 500,000 lives and displaced millions, according to United Nations figures. This latest development leaves the future of Syria, now emerging from five decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad regime, uncertain.