Russia secures ‘safe’ asylum for ousted regime leader Assad

Russia has successfully transported Bashar al-Assad, the ousted regime leader of Syria, to Russian territory after anti-regime forces overthrew his government in a rapid offensive, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov in an interview with NBC News on Tuesday.

Key details

• President Vladimir Putin made the decision to grant asylum to Assad, the Kremlin announced on Monday, signaling continued Russian backing despite Assad’s ouster.
• Ryabkov described Assad’s evacuation as “secured,” emphasizing that Russia acted decisively in an extraordinary situation. He declined to provide further details on the operation.
• When asked about the possibility of extraditing Assad for trial, Ryabkov noted that Russia is not a signatory to the International Criminal Court’s founding treaty.

Context

• Assad’s removal is a significant setback for Russia and Iran, both of which had invested heavily in propping up his regime during Syria’s 13-year civil war.
• Moscow has been a long-standing ally of Syria, supporting Damascus since the Cold War era when Syria was viewed as a Soviet satellite in the Middle East.

What’s next for Syria

• Syria’s interim leader announced on Tuesday that he has assumed the role of caretaker prime minister with support from the former anti-regime coalition that led the offensive.

Ryabkov also mentioned that Russia is open to considering another prisoner swap with the U.S., similar to the August exchange involving Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.

“A new deal would be a healthy step forward, especially at the beginning of the next administration,” Ryabkov said while refraining from providing specifics.

Big picture:

Assad’s asylum marks a new chapter in Syria’s geopolitical struggles, with potential implications for Russian influence and broader Middle Eastern dynamics.