Russia grants asylum to Syria's Assad following Putin's decision

Russia has granted asylum to Bashar al-Assad, the ousted Syrian president, following a decision by President Vladimir Putin. Assad was securely transported to Moscow, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. This development marks a significant shift, as Assad's removal was a setback for both Iran and Russia, who had supported him during Syria's civil war. A new interim leader has emerged in Syria, backed by former rebels. Ryabkov also mentioned that Russia is open to considering another prisoner swap, similar to a previous exchange involving a journalist and a former U.S. Marine.