Asma Assad, wife of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, is battling leukemia and is reportedly in very serious condition, with sources suggesting a 50-50 chance of survival.

She is currently in Russia, living under the protection of President Vladimir Putin, while her father, Fawaz Akhras, provides care, and rumors continue circulate regarding a potential divorce and her desire to return to the U.K., as the Washington Examiner reports.

Assad, who had previously been diagnosed with and declared cancer-free from breast cancer in 2019, is now struggling with leukemia. She was diagnosed with the condition in May 2024 and, according to sources close to her British family, she is often too ill to be in the same room as others. These reports paint a dire picture of her health, with the 50-50 survival rate leaving many concerned about her future.

For now, Asma is living in exile in Russia, where she and her husband have been since December 2024 following the collapse of the Assad regime. This move came after the regime fell to rebel forces, marking a new chapter in the life of the Assads outside of Syria. Bashar Assad, her husband, has remained largely silent about the regime’s collapse, only issuing a brief statement after the fall of Syria’s government.

Despite her personal struggles, rumors have surfaced that Asma may seek a divorce from her husband and could be planning a return to the U.K.. These claims have been fueled by Turkish and Arabic media reports in the past week. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov quickly dismissed these rumors, stating they “do not correspond to reality.”

Denied Return to the U.K.

British authorities have firmly shut down any possibility of Asma Assad returning to the UK. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that Asma is a sanctioned individual and will not be allowed to return under any circumstances.

"I want it confirmed that she’s a sanctioned individual and is not welcome here in the U.K.," Lammy stated in response to questions about the potential for her return. This statement highlights the strained relations between the U.K. and Asma Assad, whose connection to the Syrian regime has placed her under international scrutiny.

Asma’s father, Fawaz Akhras, who is reportedly heartbroken over his daughter’s condition, has taken on a significant caregiving role during this difficult time. According to sources familiar with her situation, Fawaz is deeply affected by the severity of Asma’s illness and her uncertain prognosis.

While Bashar Assad has maintained a low public profile since the regime’s fall, his wife’s illness has drawn significant attention, both in media circles and from those close to her. Reports suggest that the Assad family is isolated, with Asma’s health continuing to worsen.

Health Complications and Isolation

Sources indicate that Asma’s condition has left her isolated from others, with reports revealing that she is often unable to even sit in the same room as those close to her due to the severity of her leukemia. This separation has added to the emotional burden of her situation, as family members remain distant due to her weakened state.

These health complications come just five years after Asma’s successful battle against breast cancer, which she declared herself free of in 2019. At the time, her recovery was hailed as a victory, but the onset of leukemia in 2024 has taken a much more devastating toll on her health.

Despite the critical nature of her illness, Asma’s life in exile is marked by both physical suffering and the mounting pressures of her political and personal struggles. Her status as the wife of a former dictator in a fallen regime has made her an ongoing subject of media attention and international controversy.

Future of Assad Family in Russia

In Russia, the Assad family is reportedly under the protection of Putin, whose government has offered asylum and support after the fall of Syria’s regime. This protection has been crucial for the Assads as they navigate a turbulent period marked by exile, health issues, and political instability.

Though Bashar Assad himself has kept a low profile, the continued support from Russia suggests a degree of stability, at least for the time being. However, it remains unclear what the future holds for Asma and her family as her illness progresses, and international rumors continue to swirl around her situation.

While her health is the most pressing concern, the ongoing speculation about her personal life -- particularly rumors regarding a potential divorce from Bashar Assad—adds another layer of complexity to her already difficult position.

International Speculation and Kremlin’s Response

Asma’s health and potential plans for a divorce have been the subject of ongoing speculation in the media. Despite these rumors, the Kremlin has issued a clear denial, with Dmitry Peskov stressing that the reports do not reflect the reality of the situation. This refutation highlights the tight control over the Assad family’s narrative that Russia seeks to maintain amid growing international scrutiny.

Peskov’s statement stands in contrast to the ongoing media buzz, which has intensified with reports from Arabic and Turkish outlets suggesting that Asma might return to the U.K. However, the U.K. government’s firm stance on her being banned from reentry leaves little room for reconciliation.

For now, the Assad family’s future appears uncertain, with Asma’s health deteriorating and her political ties with her husband, Bashar, remaining in the spotlight.

Health Crisis at Center of Larger Story

The ongoing struggle with leukemia has not only highlighted Asma’s personal health crisis but has also kept the Assad family in the international limelight. While rumors and political issues swirl, the fundamental challenge remains: Asma Assad’s survival in the face of a deadly illness that has left her isolated and gravely ill.

As the world watches, questions about her future, both personal and political, will likely continue to generate headlines in the coming months. The fate of Asma Assad, once a prominent figure in Syria’s political landscape, now hangs in the balance.