MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. The Kremlin is closely monitoring developments in Syria, staying in contact with those who are in control of the situation in the country following Bashar Assad’s resignation as president, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Of course, we are paying close attention to everything happening in Syria. We maintain contact with those who are in control of the situation at present. This is crucial because the country hosts our bases and diplomatic missions," the Kremlin spokesman noted.

Peskov emphasized that issues related to the safety of Russian facilities in Syria are of paramount importance and constitute a priority. "We will continue to monitor the situation, certainly proceeding based on the realities on the ground," he added.

In late November, armed opposition forces launched a large-scale offensive on the Syrian army’s positions and entered Damascus on December 8, while government troops withdrew from the capital. A Kremlin source told TASS on Sunday that Assad and his family members had arrived in Moscow. Russia granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds.