The meeting was requested by the Russian delegation, and will also discuss the role of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Golan Heights occupied by Israel.

The Russian delegation warned that the depth and consequences of the latest events for Syria and the entire region have not yet been measured.

The session comes at a key moment for Syria, while the United Nations promotes urgent political talks in Geneva in search of a peaceful future.

On Sunday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged calm, avoiding violence, protecting all Syrian rights without distinction, and respecting the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel. “The future of Syria is a matter for Syrians to determine, and my special envoy (Geir Pedersen) will work with them to achieve that end,” he said.

Guterres added that the context demands “support from the international community to ensure that any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, in all its diversity.”

Shortly before, the UN’s envoy in Syria called for urgent dialogue in Doha, Qatar, while calling for avoiding bloodshed. “To this end, let me highlight the clear desire expressed by millions of Syrians for stable and inclusive transitional arrangements to be urgently established, and for Syrian institutions to continue to function,” he said.

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his family arrived in Moscow on Sunday after receiving asylum from Russian authorities, according to the Kremlin. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the former president decided to “resign from the presidency and leave the nation, giving instructions to carry out a peaceful transfer of power.”

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