The Kremlin considered the possibility of removing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad several months before the collapse of his rule in December 2024. According to reports by the British newspaper The Observer, people close to Vladimir Putin even drew up a list of Assad’s potential successors. His wife Asma was at the top of the list.

The reason is that after 24 years as Syria’s first lady, she was far more than just the wife of the head of state. Asma Assad was considered a center of power in the presidential palace.

“No decision could be pushed through the president if she disagreed with it, because he consulted her on every matter,” a former regime insider told The Observer, Bild reports.

The 50-year-old Asma headed the so-called “Economic Council” and controlled a significant part of the economy. It is claimed that businessmen were forced to transfer their assets to Assad’s trusted associates. Those who resisted were prosecuted under tax evasion laws, had their accounts frozen, or saw their businesses shut down.

According to The Observer, Putin was disappointed with Assad. Although Russia helped the Syrian regime, the ruler was unable to put an end to the civil war or politically stabilize the country. The Kremlin leader considered Assad a weak ruler who constantly needed saving. According to a source close to the regime, Assad was even offered the idea of placing his wife on the throne. However, the president simply mocked the proposal.

After the collapse of the Syrian regime, the Assads fled to Russia. Although Asma’s husband is effectively unable to leave the country, the former dictator’s wife continues to travel around the world. It is claimed that she regularly visits Dubai — quite recently, Asma stayed at the luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel. At the same time, she is banned from entering her native United Kingdom and the entire EU.