Initially I thought Putin would get rid of Assad as well, but having thought some time about it, I don’t think it’s going to happen. Mainly because that would send an even worse message to the few allies Russia has left, than losing Syria in the first place: “Not only are we going to let you down politically when shit really hits the fan, but we are also getting rid of you personally as soon as you are no longer useful to us”.

I think even Belarus Lukaschenka would start getting second thoughts at that point. So I think Assad and his family will live out the rest of their days in a “small” government sponsored dacha in Moskow.

Seems like they’re refocusing on Libya:
https://www.wsj.com/world/russia-air-defense-bases-syria-libya-25810db0

https://archive.md/k43tR