Deposed Syrian leader Assad studies eye medicine in Moscow exile

WISE NEWS PRESS / MOSCOW, RUSSIA — DEC. 16, 2025

Bashar al-Assad, the deposed leader of Syria, is reportedly attending classes in Moscow to refresh his knowledge of ophthalmology while simultaneously taking Russian language lessons, according to sources close to the family.

Before transforming into the dictator responsible for the deaths of more than half a million people, Assad was trained as an eye doctor, a profession he is now revisiting in exile. A source speaking to the British newspaper The Guardian stated that Assad is "learning Russian and refreshing his ophthalmology knowledge".

A return to medicine

The former leader is reportedly sitting in classrooms, attending lectures on eye diseases, diagnosis, and treatment. Sources emphasize that Assad is not returning to medical training for financial reasons, but rather because it is his "passion". Reports suggest that wealthy individuals in Moscow could potentially become his future clients.

Political irrelevance and isolation

The Assad family, once rulers of Syria with an iron fist, now lives a highly secluded life in the Russian capital. A family friend described their existence as "a very quiet life" with almost no contact with the outside world.

Politically, Assad's influence has reportedly evaporated. A source close to the Kremlin noted that Assad has become insignificant to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the political elite. "He is no longer seen as an influential figure, nor is he considered an interesting guest to be invited to dinner," the source claimed.

Furthermore, Moscow has imposed a strict media embargo on the former leader. Last month, Russia's Ambassador to Iraq, Elbrus Kutrashev, confirmed to journalists that Moscow prevents Assad from giving interviews or engaging with the press in any way.

Health updates on Asma al-Assad

The report also provided updates on the health of Assad's wife, Asma, who had traveled to Moscow for leukemia treatment prior to the regime's fall. Citing an anonymous source, it was reported that her condition is improving and that she has recovered following an experimental treatment.

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