Kremlin Responds to Divorce Rumors Surrounding Asma al-Assad

A Kremlin spokesperson has denied claims that Asma al-Assad, the wife of deposed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, has filed for divorce and intends to return to London. The reports, originating from Turkish media, suggest restrictions on the Assad family in Russia, but official sources maintain these accounts do not reflect reality.

The Kremlin has dismissed reports that Asma al-Assad, the British-born wife of deposed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, has filed for divorce. This claim arose from Turkish media coverage suggesting that Mrs. Assad wished to end her marriage and leave Russia, where the couple has been granted asylum following the ousting of the Assad regime from power.

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, responded to inquiries regarding these allegations during a news conference, stating, "No, they do not correspond to reality." He further refuted claims that Bashar al-Assad had been confined in Moscow and that his financial assets had been frozen.

While the Assad family has historically received military backing from Russia throughout Syria's prolonged civil war, recent reports have painted a picture of the couple living under tough restrictions in the Russian capital. According to the Turkish media, Asma al-Assad sought a divorce and intended to return to London, her birthplace. However, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy previously affirmed that Mrs. Assad, a dual Syrian-British national, would not be welcome in Britain, affirming that she is under sanctions.

Bashar al-Assad, who ascended to presidency in 2000 shortly after marrying Asma, emphasized in a recent statement that fleeing Syria was never his intention, but he was airlifted at the request of the Russian military.

Asma al-Assad's history adds complexity to her current situation. Born in London in 1975 and raised in Acton, she relocated to Syria after marrying Bashar al-Assad. Initially regarded positively in Western media, her public image took a sharp decline after she was criticized for her silence during the early stages of the Syrian civil war.

The internal conflict in Syria has resulted in massive casualties and widespread devastation, with her husband facing allegations of committing war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons. In a 2016 interview, Mrs. Assad revealed she rejected an offer for safe passage out of Syria to remain with her husband.

Health challenges have also marked her life, as she announced her battle with breast cancer in 2018, followed by a diagnosis of leukaemia earlier this year, which led her to withdraw from public engagements temporarily.

As the narrative around the Assad family continues to unfold, the Kremlin's firm denials highlight ongoing tensions and the complexities of their asylum status amid the international legal and diplomatic landscape.