Kremlin Refutes Rumors of Asma al-Assad's Divorce Plans

The Kremlin has denied Turkish media claims regarding Asma al-Assad's intentions to end her marriage and return to London, asserting that such rumors do not reflect reality.

Asma al-Assad, the British-born spouse of ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, reportedly is not pursuing divorce, as confirmed by a Kremlin representative. Dmitry Peskov, responding to rumors during a press conference, categorically stated, "No, they do not correspond to reality." Previous Turkish media reports suggested that Asma desired to leave Russia, where she and her husband were granted asylum following the takeover of Damascus by a rebel coalition.

In his statements, Peskov also dismissed claims regarding Bashar al-Assad being restricted in Moscow and his financial assets being frozen. This denial comes at a time when Russia’s military allegiance to the Assad regime remains staunch, even amidst the Syrian civil war’s turmoil.

Former UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy had previously declared in parliament that Asma al-Assad, a dual Syrian-British national, would not be permitted to return to the UK. He asserted that she is subject to sanctions and vowed to ensure no affiliated member of the Assad family enters British territory.

Bashar al-Assad, who stated he had not intended to vacate Syria, mentioned being evacuated from a Russian military facility at Moscow's behest. His relationship with Asma began shortly after he took power in 2000, when she moved from London at the age of 25 to marry him.

During her tenure as Syria's First Lady, Asma al-Assad has been the subject of significant media scrutiny. A now-removed Vogue article once depicted her as "a rose in the desert," presenting her in a flattering light just before the outbreak of civil unrest. Critics have pointed out her silence on the brutal government crackdowns against pro-democracy protesters, which marked the commencement of the Syrian civil conflict – a war that led to approximately half a million lives lost and numerous allegations against her husband for atrocities, including chemical warfare.

Asma has faced her own health challenges, having been treated for breast cancer in 2018, with reports of her recovery surfacing a year later. However, she was later diagnosed with leukemia, leading to reduced public engagements as relayed by the Assad presidential office.