Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad personally decided to step down from his position, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
When asked about Russia's involvement in Assad's relocation to Moscow and its role in his departure, Peskov stated, "Stepping down from the responsibilities of head of state was Assad's personal decision. I have no further comment on the matter."
Earlier, a Kremlin source revealed that Assad, along with his family, had arrived in Moscow, where Russia granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds.
On November 27, armed opposition forces launched a large-scale offensive against the Syrian army in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces. By the evening of December 7, they had captured several major cities, including Aleppo, Hama, Daraa, and Homs. On December 8, they entered Damascus, forcing government forces to retreat. Prime Minister Muhammad Ghazi al-Jalali expressed readiness for a peaceful transfer of power in the country. Assad subsequently left his post and departed from Syria.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS