Bashar al-Assad in Moscow: A Life of Luxury, Language Learning, and Ophthalmology.

According to ТСН: Former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, who found refuge in Russia after the fall of his regime, leads a secluded and luxurious life in Moscow. According to Western media, he mainly spends his time playing video games, learning the Russian language, and reviving his professional skills as an ophthalmologist.

Life in Moscow

After fleeing Syria in December when the Islamic group “Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham” launched an offensive that ended Assad's 24-year rule, he settled in the elite Moscow City area. Reports suggest that the Assad family owns about 20 apartments in a luxury skyscraper, worth over 30 million pounds sterling.

Media describe their apartments as lavish, featuring cream-colored furniture, crystal chandeliers, large halls, and bathrooms decorated with Carrara marble. The penthouse has panoramic windows with a city view, and a large heated bathtub from which, according to realtors, one can watch the fireworks on May 9.

Reviving His Ophthalmology Career

According to information provided by, among others, The Guardian, Assad has resumed his practice in ophthalmology—a specialty he studied in the 1990s in London. A source close to the family notes that medicine is his true passion, and he has no financial difficulties.

“He is learning the Russian language and honing his knowledge of ophthalmology again. Money doesn’t matter to him,” a family acquaintance tells reporters.

Security and the Kremlin's Attitude

Despite being allowed to move freely around Moscow and visit his country villa, he lives under the protection of a private security service funded by Russia and rarely contacts the outside world. Sources say that his circle of communication is limited to a few former associates.

In the Kremlin, the attitude toward the ousted dictator is cool, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has no intention of supporting leaders who have lost power. Assad is no longer considered a politically significant figure.

Family Circumstances

Currently, Assad lives with his wife Asma, who suffers from leukemia, and their three children. Asma, a London native, was receiving treatment in Moscow even before the regime's fall. Despite her serious condition, the family maintains their usual level of luxury.

The Russian authorities have repeatedly denied rumors of possible poisoning of Assad. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that the former president of Syria is in Russia “for humanitarian reasons” and has no issues living in the capital.

Against this backdrop, Syrian sources emphasize that the luxurious life of the Assad family in Moscow sharply contrasts with the plight of millions of Syrians who have suffered from war and repression during his rule.

This situation underscores the deep divides between the lives of the elite and ordinary citizens of Syria. The Assad family, once at the top of the international political hierarchy, now lives in isolation but comfort, while most Syrians have felt the grip of war and humanitarian crisis. It should be noted that the lack of political support from Russia could lead to even greater isolation for Assad in the future.