‘Putin’s decision’: Kremlin on ousted Syrian President Assad gaining asylum in Russia

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Monday said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family have been granted asylum in Moscow, the Associated Press reported.
Peskov said that the Russian President Vladimir Putin personally made the decision to offer asylum to Assad following his departure from Syria after opposition forces advanced into Damascus.
He however, refused to comment on Assad’s whereabouts. “As for president Assad’s whereabouts, I’ve got nothing to tell you,” Peskov said, adding, “What happened has surprised the whole world and, in this case, we are no exception.”
He also confirmed that no meeting between Putin and Assad is currently scheduled.
It also warned of heightened potential for conflict globally, citing ongoing crises in Ukraine and a Middle East engulfed in flames.
Peskov stressed the volatile international situation and the necessity for dialogue with regional powers to navigate the instability.
He revealed that the discussions about the future of Russia’s military presence in Syria remain ongoing. “It is too early to say what the future holds for our military bases in Syria,” Peskov noted, adding that precautions are being taken amid the instability.
Kremlin reiterated its willingness to engage in talks on Ukraine. This follows a call by US President-elect Donald Trump for an “immediate ceasefire and negotiations.” Peskov however said that no direct contact with Trump has been established so far.
Syrian rebels claimed a significant victory on Sunday, announcing the seizure of Damascus and declaring Assad ousted after over a decade of conflict. The Assad family, which has ruled Syria since the early 1970s, fled as rebel factions made dramatic gains in the war-torn country.