A year has passed since the overthrow of the Baath regime in Syria. The Assad family, who had been ruling the country for 54 years, found refuge in Moscow. However, very little information had leaked about the luxurious exile of Bashar al-Assad and his family in Russia, who made headlines with the fortune they brought to the country. The Guardian managed to obtain intriguing details about the ousted leader's days in Moscow by reaching out to sources close to Assad.
He has minimal contact with the outside world. He only communicates with a few individuals who were once part of his palace, such as Mansur Azzam, the former Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Yasser Ibrahim, a businessman.
It is believed that Assad and his family are living in Moscow's affluent Rublyovka district, supported by wealth shielded from Western sanctions. This area is not only home to Russian billionaires but also hosts a number of 'political exiles.'
Bashar Assad, who has been completely removed from the equation by Russian authorities, is prohibited from communicating with the outside world. Moreover, a source explains that Assad may return to his original profession of ophthalmology, stating, 'He is learning Russian and refreshing his ophthalmology skills. This is his passion; it's clear he doesn't need the money. Even before the war started, he would regularly practice as an ophthalmologist in Damascus. The wealthy elites in Moscow could be his potential client base.'
Meanwhile, Assad's children are attempting to adjust to their new lives. His daughter, Zeyn Assad, graduated from MGIMO, one of Moscow's prestigious universities, a few months ago. The children frequently indulge in luxury shopping and are registered at high-profile gyms and clubs both in Moscow and the United Arab Emirates.