Russia rejects Syria’s request to hand over Bashar al-Assad

In his first public remarks on the fate of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, current President Ahmed al-Sharaa revealed that Russia has officially rejected a request to extradite Assad, who is currently residing in Russia.

Speaking to The New York Times, al-Sharaa said Moscow firmly refused to return Assad, who was granted asylum along with his family after the fall of the previous Syrian regime. The decision reportedly came directly from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian Ambassador to Iraq, Elbrus Kutrashev, recently confirmed Assad's presence in Moscow, adding that his asylum terms require him to stay out of politics and media.

Kutrashev said Russia sees no reason to hand Assad over, as he is complying with these conditions.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment further, stating only, "We have nothing to say about Assad's whereabouts," highlighting the sensitivity of the issue.

The revelation comes as diplomatic activity around Syria intensifies, with growing internal and international pressure to hold former regime officials accountable.