The Kremlin has refuted reports that Asma al-Assad, wife of deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is seeking a divorce and planning to leave Russia. The claims, originating from Turkish media, suggested that the former first lady of Syria intended to end her marriage and return to London. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the reports, calling them baseless.
During a news conference, Peskov stated, “No, they do not correspond to reality,” firmly rejecting any suggestions of discord within the Assad family. He also denied rumors that Bashar al-Assad was confined to Moscow under strict conditions and that his assets had been frozen.
The Turkish Media Reports
The reports alleged that the Assads, who have been living in Moscow after a rebel coalition overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s regime, are under severe restrictions. The claims also suggested that Asma al-Assad, who holds dual Syrian-British nationality, had filed for divorce and expressed a desire to return to her birthplace in London.
However, her return to the UK appears highly unlikely. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has previously emphasized that Mrs. Assad is a sanctioned individual and would not be allowed entry into the country. Speaking in Parliament earlier this month, Lammy stated, “I want it confirmed that she’s a sanctioned individual and is not welcome here in the UK.” He further vowed to ensure that no member of the Assad family could find refuge in the UK.
A Controversial Figure
Asma al-Assad has been a subject of fascination and controversy throughout her tenure as Syria’s first lady. Born in Acton, west London, in 1975 to Syrian parents, she moved to Syria in 2000 and married Bashar al-Assad shortly after he succeeded his father as president.
Initially celebrated in western media for her charm and modern image, she garnered attention for a 2011 Vogue profile titled “A Rose in the Desert,” which painted her as a fresh and magnetic figure. However, the narrative quickly shifted as the Syrian Civil War unfolded. Just a month after the Vogue profile, Asma faced criticism for her silence as her husband’s government violently suppressed pro-democracy protests, marking the beginning of a devastating conflict.
The Syrian Civil War claimed over 500,000 lives, with Bashar al-Assad accused of deploying chemical weapons against civilians. Despite these allegations, Asma al-Assad remained steadfast in her support for her husband. In a 2016 interview with Russian state-backed media, she revealed that she had rejected an offer for safe passage out of Syria to stand by her family.
Health Battles Amid Turmoil
In recent years, Asma al-Assad’s health has become a focus of public attention. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, completing treatment a year later. More recently, in May 2024, the former first lady was diagnosed with leukemia, prompting her to temporarily withdraw from public engagements.
Life in Moscow
The Assads relocated to Moscow after being airlifted from Syria at Russia’s request. Despite Russia’s unwavering support for the Assad regime during the Syrian Civil War, reports indicate that the Assads are facing challenges in exile.
While the Kremlin has dismissed the latest divorce rumors as untrue, the reports highlight ongoing speculation about the family’s future and their relationship with their Russian hosts.
As the Assads navigate life in exile, their presence in Moscow remains a point of contention both domestically and internationally.
