Putin wanted to replace Assad with his wife Asma: report

A report published in the UK’s “The Observer" citing sources close to the former Syrian regime revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies had grown frustrated with Bashar al-Assad and explored alternatives to keep influence in Syria. 

As revolutionary forces advanced on Damascus in late 2024, the Russians reportedly drew up a list of possible replacements for Assad, with his British-born wife, Asma al-Assad, near the top.

According to the report, Putin had long viewed Assad as weak and overly reliant on Russian support.

After propping up the regime since 2015, Moscow became increasingly irritated by Assad’s unwillingness to pursue political settlements with various opposition groups, including opposition groups in the northwest, Kurds in the northeast, and neighboring Turkey.

“The Russians had begun drawing up a list of possible replacements for the president. Near the top of the list? Asma,” the report said, citing multiple sources.

A source close to the regime told The Observer that the idea of installing Asma as president was floated by the Russians.

Assad was reportedly aware but unconcerned.

“There was such talk, and it was mentioned to the president, but he just laughed at it,” the source said.

Asma al-Assad, who grew up in London as Emma Akhras and worked in investment banking before marrying Assad in 2000, had become a powerful figure in the regime.

She was central to economic decision-making, controlling aid flows, and influencing key appointments through an informal “economic council.”

Insiders described her as wielding significant behind-the-scenes power, with officials often citing “This is what the lady wants.”

Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow in December 2024 with family members and was granted asylum by Russia, where the couple reportedly maintains investments and travels, including to the UAE.

Asma, who has faced a second cancer diagnosis, has British citizenship but faces potential international legal challenges.

The article highlights Asma’s deep involvement in the regime’s structures, including NGOs tied to orphanages allegedly used as political tools, though her father, Fawaz Akhras, has strongly denied many accusations.

Former ICC chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo noted her British status as a potential avenue for accountability: “She’s British – it’s an opportunity, because she’s from a member country that’s signed the treaty.”