The Kremlin has rejected claims that Asma al-Assad, wife of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, filed for divorce.
Turkish and Arab media reported that Asma, who holds dual Syrian-British citizenship, planned to return to the UK. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations, stating, “No, they do not correspond to reality.”
Peskov also denied claims that Assad had been confined in Moscow or that his assets were frozen.
Assad Family’s Escape and Asma’s Alleged Plans
The Assad family fled Syria on 8 December after rebels overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s regime, seeking refuge in Moscow.
Reports suggested Asma al-Assad, born in London in 1975, sought to leave Russia and return to the UK. However, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy declared her a sanctioned individual and stated she would not be welcomed.
Lammy pledged to ensure no Assad family member “finds a place in the UK,” while Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed further legal review was needed before revoking her citizenship.
Asma al-Assad’s Changing Public Image
Asma al-Assad, once seen as a progressive figure, started her career in banking before marrying Bashar al-Assad in 2000.
During her husband’s early presidency, she promoted charity work and reform initiatives, earning a Western-friendly reputation. However, her image deteriorated as the Syrian Civil War unfolded, exposing widespread human rights abuses by the regime.
Despite criticism, she has remained loyal, defending her husband’s actions and maintaining a prominent public role in Syria.