Bashar al-Assad seeks asylum in Russia as Moscow calls for UN talks on Syria crisis

Bashar al-Assad has fled Syria and sought asylum in Russia amid escalating conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the situation and called for renewed UN-mediated talks to resolve the crisis. Assad's departure follows Syrian rebels taking control of Damascus. Russia stated that Assad has stepped down and instructed a peaceful transition of power, emphasizing its support for a political solution. Russian officials are reportedly in contact with Syrian opposition leaders, who have assured the safety of Russian military bases in Syria. Russia claims it did not participate in the negotiations leading to Assad's exit.