Russian officials have confirmed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left the country, following what is described as a series of high-stakes negotiations with various factions involved in the ongoing Syrian conflict. According to a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Assad has decided to step down from his position, issuing instructions for the peaceful transfer of power.
While Russia has not been directly involved in the negotiations that led to this historic move, the Russian government has expressed deep concern about the evolving situation. Moscow is calling for all parties to refrain from violence and to focus on resolving Syria’s governance challenges through diplomatic and political means.
The Russian Ministry emphasized that these developments should serve as a foundation for future efforts to establish a comprehensive and inclusive political process in Syria. The country’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to respecting the opinions of all Syrian ethno-confessional groups, stressing the importance of their participation in shaping Syria’s future.
“We are in contact with all groups of the Syrian opposition,” the statement reads. “We call for respect for the opinions of all ethno-confessional forces of Syrian society, and support efforts to establish an inclusive political process based on the unanimously adopted UN Security Council Resolution 2254.”
Resolution 2254 calls for a political transition in Syria, urging the establishment of a new constitution and free elections under UN supervision. Russia is keen to see this roadmap followed in the aftermath of Assad’s departure.
Furthermore, Moscow has expressed full backing for the initiative led by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Syria, Georg Pedersen, who is working on organizing urgent inter-Syrian inclusive negotiations in Geneva. These talks are seen as crucial to ensuring a peaceful and orderly transition of power in Syria.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the political landscape in Syria, the Russian government has assured that it is taking all necessary precautions to protect its citizens in the region. Russian military bases in Syria are reportedly on high alert, although the Ministry stated that there is currently no immediate threat to their security.
