Vladimir Putin vows to ask disgraced Syrian dictator Assad about missing Austin Tice

Vladimir Putin has vowed to ask disgraced Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad about American journalist Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Syria 12 years ago.

Assad fled to Russia earlier this month as rebels advanced on Damascus, bringing an end to the country's civil war after 13 years. Speaking at his annual end-of-year address, Putin revealed he hasn't yet had a chance to catch up with his long-time ally since Assad's arrival in Moscow.

"I have not seen President Assad when he arrived in Moscow," the Russian President said. Putin was also asked about Tice by NBC News' Keir Simmons, and vowed to ask Assad about the missing journalist.

Putin at his annual end-of-year address today (Image:Anadolu via Getty Images)

Putin said: "I promise to ask this question [...] But a person went missing 12 years ago, we understand what situation was there back then." Tice’s mother Debra sent a letter to Putin late Wednesday asking for his help in finding her missing son.

"In this holiday season of peace and goodwill, we respectfully request your assistance in finding Austin and safely reuniting him with our family," she wrote, according to NBC News. "We would, of course, be willing to travel to Moscow or any place on earth to put our arms around our precious Austin and bring him safely home."

Tice vanished in Syria in 2012 when he was reporting on the civil war. The US State Department said he was being held by the Syrian government - although Assad denied this.

Assad and Putin have been long-time allies (file) (Image:POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Tice's family have renewed hope following the downfall of Assad's brutal regime. Thousands of political prisoners were held, tortured and killed in Syria's sprawling network of jails, but after rebels won control footage soon emerged on social media showing hundreds walking free.

However, there is yet to be any sign of Tice. A former prisoner did however claim he was in prison with Tice and saw him alive as recently as July 2022.