(MENAFN) In an exclusive interview with RT Arabic, Bashar al-Jaafari, Syria's ambassador to Moscow, sharply condemned former President Bashar Assad’s flight from Damascus, calling it "shameful and humiliating." Al-Jaafari’s remarks came after anti-government forces, including the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seized control of the Syrian capital over the weekend. Following the rapid advance, Assad and his family fled the country and were granted asylum in Russia.

Al-Jaafari described the collapse of Assad's regime as a reflection of its unpopularity and lack of support from both the public and military. He criticized Assad’s escape, saying it demonstrated a lack of national responsibility and confirmed the need for change in Syria.

Hailing the regime change, the ambassador declared that Syria is now "a true homeland for all Syrians" and urged the people to unite in restoring security. He expressed optimism for peaceful change, stressing that Syria has much potential for recovery.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Embassy in Moscow raised the opposition flag in place of the previous government’s, and other Syrian diplomatic missions worldwide followed suit. The Kremlin has confirmed that Assad and his family are currently in Moscow, though no further details about their stay or potential meetings with President Putin have been disclosed.

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