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Russia has ruled out reconsidering its decision to shelter former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, despite a Syrian court sentencing him to death in absentia over crimes committed during the country's civil war. Moscow says it granted Assad political asylum on humanitarian grounds and considers the decision irreversible.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko told broadcaster RTVI that Syria's new authorities understand Moscow's position, signalling that Damascus faces a major obstacle in its efforts to bring the former president back to face justice.
"Our Syrian partners know very well that Russia granted political asylum to Bashar al-Assad on humanitarian grounds. And the current authorities in Damascus understand that this Russian decision is irrevocable," Borisenko said.
He did not clarify whether Damascus had submitted a fresh formal extradition request.
Assad fled to Russia in December 2024 after a rebel offensive toppled his government, ending more than five decades of rule by his family. He has remained in Russia since then, while Syria's new leadership has pursued legal action against figures from the former regime.
A Syrian court sentenced Assad to death in absentia on August 11, 2026, over offences including murder, torture, arbitrary detention and crimes against humanity. His younger brother, Maher al-Assad, was also sentenced to death in the same case.
WHY RUSSIA IS PROTECTING ASSAD
Russia was one of Assad's most important allies during Syria's civil war, which began in 2011 after protests against his government escalated into a devastating conflict. Moscow's military intervention in 2015 helped Assad regain territory and remain in power for years.
His sudden removal in December 2024 forced Russia to reassess its position in Syria while seeking to preserve its strategic interests in the country.
The new Syrian authorities have sought accountability for alleged abuses under Assad's rule. However, Moscow's refusal to reconsider his asylum leaves Damascus with limited immediate prospects of securing his return.
A sentence issued in absentia means the defendant was tried and sentenced without being present in court. Enforcing the ruling against Assad remains a separate challenge because he is in Russia, which has publicly ruled out changing its position.
RUSSIA SEEKS TO RETAIN MILITARY BASES
Assad's future is not the only issue shaping relations between Moscow and Damascus. Russia is also negotiating the future of its military facilities in Syria, which give it a strategic foothold in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
Borisenko said Moscow plans to convert its former military bases into joint training and logistics centres for Russian and Syrian personnel. A memorandum was signed in August, but separate intergovernmental agreements are needed to determine the facilities' final status. Russia hopes to conclude the agreements by the end of 2026.
The key facilities are the Hmeimim airbase and the naval facility at Tartus. Hmeimim has supported Russian air operations, while Tartus has served as a logistics hub for its navy.
Borisenko did not say whether Russian forces would retain independent control over the bases, as they did under Assad. Their future status could determine how much military influence Moscow retains under Syria's new leadership.
Despite their differences over Assad, Russia and Syria have continued diplomatic engagement. Borisenko described relations with the new Syrian authorities as positive and said Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa had visited Moscow twice, in October 2025 and January 2026.
The two countries are now attempting to establish a working relationship after Moscow spent years backing the government that Syria's new leadership helped overthrow.
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