Russian Ambassador Ulyanov confirmed the information about the arrival of Assad and his family in Moscow

Mikhail Ulyanov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the international organizations in Vienna, said on December 8 that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow after resigning as head of the Syrian Arab Republic (SAR).

"Bashar al-Assad and his family are in Moscow. Russia does not betray friends in difficult situations. This is the difference between Russia and the US," he wrote in his Telegram channel.

Arab Spring 2.0: armed opposition in Syria claims control of Damascus

The country's prime minister has signaled his readiness to hand over power to the new leadership

Earlier in the day, Izvestia source reported that former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad flew to the Russian capital. It is specified that the politician is on the territory of the Russian Federation together with members of his family.

The Russian Foreign Ministry reported earlier in the day that Bashar al-Assad as a result of negotiations with the opposition decided to leave the post of head of state and leave the country, instructing to carry out the transfer of power peacefully. It was noted that Russia is in contact with all groups of the Syrian opposition and is taking the necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens.

Also on Sunday, the AFP news agency reported a fire in the presidential palace of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. And Syria's National Coalition of Revolutionary and Opposition Forces said it was working to form a "transitional governing body."

Meanwhile, SAR Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali said most of the Syrian government ministers remain in Damascus. He emphasized that he is ready to cooperate with any leadership chosen by the people.