Putin grants asylum to Syria's Assad as he flees to Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin has granted asylum to Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Moscow with his family as opposition forces gained control of the Syrian capital. Assad's regime has been in power for nearly 25 years and is known for severe human rights abuses during the ongoing civil war. Russia's ambassador to international organizations confirmed the news, stating that Russia supports its allies in difficult times. European leaders have expressed approval of the regime's decline amid accusations of widespread violence against civilians.