Russia transported Bashar al-Assad to its territory in a secure manner after he was ousted as Syria's president by rebel forces. The Kremlin granted asylum to Assad, dealing a blow to Iran and Russia's efforts to support his rule. Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, stated that Russia acted as required in this extraordinary situation and did not provide further details. Ryabkov also advised Israel not to infringe on Syrian territory in the Golan Heights. In addition, he mentioned that Russia would consider another prisoner swap in the future.