Russia's Foreign Ministry stated on Monday (Dec 16) that Syrians should decide their own future, emphasizing the need for an inclusive government that represents the country's diverse ethnic and religious groups.

The ministry's statement highlighted Moscow's close monitoring of developments following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad—previously supported by Russia—and the rise of commander Ahmed al-Sharaa as power consolidates. "We believe lasting stability in Syria depends on fostering an inclusive dialogue among Syrians, aimed at achieving national reconciliation and advancing the complex political settlement process," the statement read.

Russia underscored the importance of allowing Syrians to shape their own future, while expressing hope that the decades-long friendship between the two nations would continue to develop positively. The statement also acknowledged Syria's longstanding coexistence between Muslims and Christians, including the Damascus-based Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, which maintains strong ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced no final decision had been made regarding the future of Russia's military bases in Syria, confirming ongoing communication with Syria's new leadership. Over the weekend, four Syrian officials told Reuters that Russia was scaling back its military presence in northern Syria and the Alawite Mountains but would maintain control of its two main bases.

Assad, who has been granted asylum in Russia, issued his first statement since his removal. He revealed that he was evacuated from the Hmeimim base on Dec 8 during a drone attack, after fleeing Damascus earlier in the day as rebel forces advanced on the capital.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters