Bashar al-Assad, the ousted Syrian leader, stated his recent evacuation to Russia was unplanned and denied contemplating resignation as rebel forces gained control in Syria. In his first public statement since the regime's collapse, he claimed to be involved in overseeing military operations when Russia organized his evacuation. The Kremlin remains influential in Syria, maintaining military bases and diplomatic ties, while the situation remains precarious with multiple factions vying for power, raising concerns about future stability in the region.