Russia grants asylum to former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad

Russia has granted political asylum to former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, according to the Kremlin. This decision follows Assad's resignation and flight from Syria after rebels ended his rule. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin made the decision to offer asylum. Peskov did not disclose Assad's location or mention any planned meetings between the two leaders. Assad's regime collapsed after a surprise rebel attack, marking a significant shift in the Syrian conflict, which had been largely inactive for years.