Putin Considered Replacing Assad with His Wife Amid Syrian Regime Collapse

In the months leading up to the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly contemplated removing Assad from power and installing his wife, Asma al-Assad, as Syria's leader. According to a British Observer investigation published on Tuesday, Putin viewed Assad as a weak leader in constant need of rescue and maintained a list of potential successors, with Asma at the top.

Asma al-Assad, a former banker born and raised in the UK, was considered the true power behind the Syrian regime, controlling the country's economy. Businesspeople who opposed her or refused to transfer assets to the president's allies faced economic sanctions, tax investigations, and business closures. Former regime sources noted that her involvement generated deep resentment among ministers, businessmen, and intelligence officials.

Putin reportedly proposed the idea of transferring power to Asma directly to Assad, but the Syrian president dismissed the suggestion. When rebels launched a surprise attack on Damascus in December 2024, Russia chose not to intervene. Assad fled to Moscow on December 8, where he remains under political asylum while facing international arrest warrants.

Asma's situation diverged significantly; she left for Russia in August 2024 for medical treatment and has since traveled internationally. Although banned from entering the European Union and the UK, she frequently stays in Dubai, where the couple owns luxury properties.

This revelation sheds light on Kremlin strategies during Syria's regime crisis and the internal dynamics of Assad's rule in its final months.