A recent report from The Observer has revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin contemplated replacing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with his wife, Asma al-Assad, in the months leading up to the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The move aimed to maintain Moscow's influence in Syria.
According to the report, the Kremlin viewed Asma al-Assad as the most capable figure to ensure the continuity of the regime's institutions amid growing doubt from Putin about Bashar al-Assad's ability to govern effectively.
The report indicates that President Putin considered Assad a 'weak leader' increasingly reliant on Russian support to stay in power, prompting Moscow to draft a list of potential successors, with Asma al-Assad at the forefront.
Putin broached the idea with Bashar al-Assad, but he rejected it and showed no willingness to relinquish power.
Notably, Asma al-Assad, who was born in Britain and formerly worked in banking, played a significant role within the state, particularly in economic matters, rather than just a ceremonial one.
Business figures who defied her directives or refused to transfer assets to individuals close to the presidency faced financial pressure and government actions, leading to discontent within the regime's inner circles.
The report also notes that with the onset of opposition factions attacking Damascus in December 2024, Russia abstained from intervening to save the regime. Bashar al-Assad subsequently fled to Moscow on December 8, where he has remained with political asylum despite international arrest warrants.
Asma's Activities Outside Russia
The report further mentions that Asma al-Assad left Syria in August 2024 for medical treatment in Russia, continuing her travels afterward.
Despite facing European and British sanctions, she has been reported to frequent Dubai, where she and her husband own properties.