Assads Moscow Exile: Once Powerful Leader Now Lives in Luxurious Isolation

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has withdrawn into an isolated existence in Moscow following his ousting from power, a development that has seemingly diminished his relevance to his long-time ally, Vladimir Putin, as reported by The Guardian on Monday.

On December 8, 2024, with aid from the Russian military, Assad and his family fled Syria as rebel factions advanced towards Damascus. They left a nation ravaged by 13 years of civil conflict, resulting in approximately 620,000 deaths and nearly 14 million people displaced.

A Kremlin insider told The Guardian, “Putin tends to lose interest in leaders who cannot maintain their authority, and Assad is no longer regarded as an influential figure or even a captivating guest for dinner invitations.”

Based on interviews with a family acquaintance, as well as sources from both Russia and Syria, The Guardian indicated that the Assads had already moved a large portion of their wealth to Russia prior to their loss of power.

Assad and his family are believed to reside in the upscale Rublyovka neighborhood, located to the west of Moscow, where former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is also thought to live, according to the newspaper.

Reports suggest that they occupy much of their time shopping in luxury stores and adorning their Moscow residence with opulent furnishings. Leaked information reveals that Assad’s daughter, Zein, has signed up at a high-end pedicure salon and holds a membership at an exclusive fitness club in Moscow.

Despite their affluence, the family has faced difficulties assimilating into Russian culture.

The only public appearance of the family together in the past year occurred at Zein al-Assad’s graduation from the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) this summer, where Assad himself was absent.

Assad has been studying the Russian language and taking refresher courses in ophthalmology, a field in which he was trained in London and practiced in Damascus before entering politics.

“It’s a passion of his, and he clearly doesn’t need the income,” a family friend shared with The Guardian, hinting that his potential patients may belong to Moscow’s wealthy elite.

The former leader allegedly attempted to secure interviews with Russia’s state-run channel RT and a notable right-wing U.S. podcaster, but permission has yet to be granted.

Elbrus Kutrashev, Russia’s Ambassador to Iraq, informed Iraqi media in November that the former Syrian president is prohibited from any media or political involvement.

“Assad may reside here yet cannot participate in political endeavors… He has no right to engage in any media or political activities. Have you heard anything from him? You haven’t, because he is not allowed to — but he is safe and alive,” said Kutrashev.

Assad’s wife and sons have made several trips from Moscow to the United Arab Emirates, a country they frequently visited during their time in power.

Initially, the family hoped to shift permanently to the UAE from Moscow due to linguistic challenges and their sense of isolation in Russia, according to the family acquaintance.

However, even the UAE seems unwilling to host Assad at this time, The Guardian reported.