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The fate of Bashar al-Assad: no trace of the former Syrian president in Russia

Bashar al-Assad, deposed Syrian president, is reportedly in Moscow, but his presence remains shrouded in mystery. No official photos or videos show him, while Russia tries to keep a low profile on his stay

For the past five days, Bashar al-Assad has reportedly been in Russia, probably in Moscow, but without any public appearance by him or his family. According to CNN reports, Assad may be in the exclusive Moscow City neighbourhood, known for its luxurious skyscrapers and high-end residences, where the Assad family has purchased at least 19 flats worth around $40 million, according to a 2019 investigation by Global Witness.

Assad’s exfiltration operation from Syria remains secret. According to sources in the Guardian and Bloomberg, Russian intelligence agents orchestrated his escape, keeping it hidden even from the dictator’s brother. The aim was to prevent Assad from falling into the hands of the rebels, as happened to Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The Syrian leader arrived in Russia in a plane without a transponder to avoid being tracked.

Russia, a safe haven for Assad

Of the few available escape options, Russia proved to be Assad’s preferred destination, compared to Iran. Although personal relations with Vladimir Putin have remained chilly, Moscow offers geopolitical stability and will not easily give in to extradition demands.

The bond between the Assad family and Russia has long been solid. Hafez, Bashar’s eldest son, studied at Moscow State University and completed his doctorate at the end of November, coinciding with the Syrian rebels’ assault on Aleppo, which marked the end of the more than 50-year Syrian regime.

In addition to providing security for Assad, Russia is also offering medical assistance to his family. Bashar’s wife, Asma, is in fact facing a battle against leukaemia diagnosed last May.

A future far from the limelight

Experts believe that Assad will keep a low profile for the rest of his life, similar to that of former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, who has been living in a protected residence in Moscow since 2014, after his ouster during the Maidan Revolution. Despite hidden assets in offshore accounts estimated at around $2 billion, Assad is unlikely to return to politics or re-enter Syria.

The Alawite Assad regime has always found Russia a more congenial ally than Iran, mainly because of its secular stance and historical relations. However, for now, Bashar al-Assad’s fate seems to be that of a life in exile, far from the international limelight, under the protective shadow of the Kremlin.

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