Russian President Vladimir Putin has granted asylum to Bashar al-Assad, the ousted president of Syria, following a rebel offensive that removed him from power, Reuters reports.
This development represents a significant setback for Russia and Iran, which had both supported Assad’s regime during Syria’s 13-year civil war. Assad’s removal weakens Iran and Russia’s influence in the Middle East. The Kremlin acknowledged the “extreme instability” in Syria but did not clarify the future of Russian military bases in the region, including the Hmeimim airbase and Tartous naval facility.
Moscow has historically backed Syria since the Cold War and its facilities in Syria serve as crucial logistical hubs. Russia aims to maintain dialogue with regional powers like Turkey to navigate the crisis.
