Russia confirms Bashar al-Assad is in the country following regime collapse

A senior Russian official confirmed that deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad is in Russia. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated Assad was transported securely amid the collapse of his regime as rebels advanced on Damascus. This marks the first public acknowledgment from Moscow regarding Assad's location. Previously, the Kremlin had not commented on reports of his asylum in Russia, despite its long-standing support for his government. Ryabkov did not specify Assad's exact location in Russia and declined to discuss the details of his situation. He also noted that Russia is not bound by the International Criminal Court's conventions regarding potential trials for Assad.