Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, along with his British-born wife Asma and their three children, has fled Syria for Moscow following a rebel takeover of Damascus. The Kremlin has confirmed granting the family asylum on the direct orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Lavish lifestyle continues in exile
The Assads, known for their extravagant lifestyle, are reportedly settling into Russia with access to a $40 million portfolio of luxury apartments in Moscow. Among their holdings are properties in the prestigious City of Capitals skyscraper complex, known for its opulence and panoramic views.
Asma al-Assad, who previously made headlines for her lavish spending on home furnishings and designer goods, is expected to maintain her high standard of living in Russia. The family’s fortune, estimated by the U.S. State Department at $2 billion, is hidden across various offshore accounts and real estate holdings.
Political and personal ties to Moscow
The Assad family has long-standing connections to Moscow. Bashar al-Assad’s eldest son, Hafez, recently completed his PhD in mathematical sciences at Moscow State University. The family has frequently visited Russia, with Asma attending her son’s graduation in 2023.
The move to Russia follows the fall of Damascus to rebel forces, marking the end of the Assad family’s six-decade autocratic rule. Secret escape routes beneath the presidential palace reportedly facilitated the family’s flight, possibly through Russia’s Khmeimim airbase.
Embarrassment for Putin
Assad’s departure is a significant blow to Russia, which invested heavily in propping up his regime through military and financial aid. The fall of Damascus underscores the limits of Moscow’s influence in the region and raises questions about the future of Russia’s military bases in Syria.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the instability in Syria but refrained from commenting on how this would affect Russia’s strategic interests in the region.
Future uncertain
While Assad’s asylum guarantees the family’s safety, their next steps remain unclear. The family may live in government-provided accommodations or one of their privately owned properties. As Russia navigates its strained position in Syria, the Assads’ exile reflects the shifting dynamics of power and influence in the Middle East.
The fall of the Assad regime also marks a new chapter for Syria, with opposition forces raising their flag over the Syrian embassy in Moscow, symbolizing a potential shift in the country’s governance.
