Moscow Refutes Reports of Syrian Presidential Family's Personal and Political Turmoil
The Kremlin has firmly rejected recent media speculation surrounding Asma al-Assad, wife of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, specifically denying claims that she has filed for divorce and plans to depart from Russia.
During a Monday press conference, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed mounting rumors about the Assad family's situation. He explicitly dismissed reports suggesting that Bashar al-Assad was being held in Moscow with his assets frozen, stating simply that these claims "do not correspond to reality," according to Reuters.
The speculation emerged following media reports on Sunday that Asma al-Assad, who was born in Britain, had initiated divorce proceedings in Russia. These reports coincided with claims that the Assad family had received asylum in Russia earlier this month amid Syria's deteriorating situation.
Addressing the circumstances of his departure from Syria for the first time on December 16, Bashar al-Assad emphasized that his exit was neither premeditated nor a form of capitulation. He detailed that the decision came in response to escalating violence that reached Damascus on December 7.
In his statement, Assad strongly rejected suggestions that he had sought asylum or contemplated resignation. He emphasized his dedication to Syria, asserting that he "had never abandoned his people, soldiers, or allies despite facing overwhelming challenges."
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