Bashar Assad has stepped down from the presidency and left Syria.

The Syrian state and political figure, president of Syria since July 17, 2000, supreme commander of the Syrian armed forces, and secretary of the Syrian regional branch of the Ba'ath Party since June 24, 2000, has left the country following negotiations with several participants in the Syrian conflict. This was announced by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Bashar Assad has instructed a peaceful transfer of power. Russia did not participate in the negotiations. Russian military bases in Syria are on heightened combat readiness. There are currently no threats to their security.

The Foreign Ministry noted that Russia is in contact with all factions of the Syrian opposition.