Kremlin says asylum to Assad Putin’s decision

That's according to Radio Svoboda, Ukrinform reports.

“It is clear that such decisions cannot be made without the head of state. This is his (Putin's - ed.) decision,” Peskov said.

According to Peskov, there is no meeting with Assad on Putin's schedule. He also refrained to reveal where the former Syrian president is staying.

Russian authorities officially refer to Assad as former president, claiming that he agreed with the opposition on the transfer of power.

Assad himself has not commented on the collapse of his regime in any way and neither has he appeared in public.

Putin has repeatedly met with Assad, under whom the Russian armed forces participated in the civil war in Syria.

Media reported that after the opposition offensive kicked off in late November, Assad came to Moscow where he possibly met with Putin, although the trip was never officially reported.

Peskov also stated that "the pace of recent developments in Syria, as a result of which Assad lost power, surprised the whole world, including Russia."

According to Peskov, "it is premature to talk about the fate of the military bases located in Syria."

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the joint forces of the Syrian opposition announced the capture of Damascus and the escape of President Bashar al-Assad from the capital Sunday morning.

Also yesterday, media reported that Assad was in Moscow along with his family and that he has been granted asylum.