In a recent televised interview, Abu Mohammad al-Julani — also known as Al-Sharaa — claimed that a deal was struck with Russia shortly before the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria.

According to Julani, the agreement may have involved granting Bashar al-Assad and senior regime officials safe passage out of the country in exchange for control of Damascus.

While independent verification of the claim remains limited, the reported arrangement underscores the complex role Russia has played throughout Syria’s conflict, both as Assad’s key ally and as a potential broker in securing its own long-term interests.

Analysts suggest that if such a deal took place, it would mark a significant turning point in the war, effectively ensuring Moscow’s influence in Syria even after Assad’s departure. However, the details remain murky, with no official acknowledgment from Russian or Syrian sources.