MOSCOW: The Kremlin has firmly dismissed swirling rumors about the health of Syrian first lady, Aasma al-Assad, and speculations surrounding her potential divorce from her husband, former president Bashar al-Assad. Reports originating from Turkish media alleged recently not only her desire to end her marriage but also her supposed confinement within Russia following the tumultuous overthrow of the Assad regime.
During a conference call on Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov quashed the claims, stating, "No, it does not correspond to reality." These affirmations come amid significant political upheavals and questions about the lives of the Assad family following their decision to seek asylum after the opposition forces took control of Damascus.
Both Turkish and Arabic media had reported over the weekend about Aasma's purported divorce filing and her wish to return to the UK. Such assertions raised eyebrows, especially considering the family's recent asylum status granted by Russia after they fled Syria's capital. While her husband has described the desperate conditions leading to their departure from Syria, including being airlifted due to rebel forces advancing, the rumors about Aasma's marital status continue to spark debates.
The Assad family's reportedly fragile situation is compounded by Aasma's serious health issues. She is currently battling leukaemia, having previously undergone treatment for breast cancer between 2018 and 2019. Following her diagnosis, it was announced earlier this year by the office of the then-president Assad, indicating she would temporarily withdraw from public engagements for her health.
Despite the Kremlin's rebuke of these rumors, fears linger about the Assads’ future, particularly with Aasma's health condition and the continuing sanctions imposed by the UK and European nations against the family. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been vocal about these measures, asserting, "I will do my best to ensur... not welcome here," referring to the restrictions against the Assad family members following their perceived involvement with the brutal regime.
Through the years, Aasma al-Assad, who holds dual Syrian-British citizenship, had cultivated a public image aimed at portraying modernity and progress. Nevertheless, the tides have shifted dramatically since the outbreak of rebellion against her husband’s regime. She was often depicted favorably by the Western media early on, yet since the onset of the civil war, which has claimed countless lives, perceptions shifted drastically.
Critics have frequently accused Aasma of leveraging her position to enrich herself, leading charities such as the "Syrian Trust for Development" which received significant foreign funding. This scrutiny only deepened as international sanctions started to target her, her parents, and siblings, alongside her husband, labeling her as one of the major beneficiaries of the conflict-torn nation’s decline.
Notably, just prior to the family’s flight, many voices—especially from the UK—responded to suggestions of her resettlement or asylum options. Lammy confirmed, "I want it confirmed... she is subject to sanctions and is not welcome," asserting the UK’s position on these sanctions which prohibit entry or residency for the Assad family members.
All these developments have compounded the uncertainty surrounding Aasma al-Assad’s future as she navigates through severe health challenges and heightened scrutiny. Interest remains high about how her narrative will evolve amid these tumultuous circumstances.
While the Syrian civil war leaves countless stories of devastation and loss, the Assads’ saga epitomizes the broader conflicts and choices facing many caught within the aftermath of political upheaval. With the Kremlin's denial of divorce rumors and the unsparing reality of sanctions looming large, only time will tell what this period will mean for the once-celebrated first lady of Syria.
