Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga visited Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and urged him to expel Russian forces from the country. Russia has been a key supporter of Bashar al-Assad, and their intervention in the civil war in 2015 helped Assad regain control of much of Syria. However, Assad’s recent removal from power has put Russia in a difficult position as they work to secure their naval base in Tartus and Khmeimim Air Base under the new Syrian government. Sybiga emphasized that the removal of Russia’s presence in Syria would contribute to stability in the region.
Sybiga also discussed the possibility of rebuilding ties between Ukraine and Syria, as relations were severed when the Assad government recognized Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine had sent a shipment of food aid, 500 tons of wheat flour, to Syria in support of the Syrian people. Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine remains a leading producer of wheat, highlighting their willingness to support Syria in overcoming decades of dictatorial rule and restoring stability and security in the country.
Ahmed al-Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led a rapid offensive that resulted in the capture of Damascus, causing Assad to flee to Russia. In an interview with Al-Arabiya TV, Sharaa acknowledged the deep strategic ties between Syria and Russia. He pointed out that Syria’s arms are of Russian origin and many power plants are managed by Russian experts, indicating the complexity of the relationship between the two countries. Sharaa expressed that he does not want Russia to leave Syria as some wish, suggesting that cooperation may continue under the new Syrian leadership.
The visit by the Ukrainian foreign minister to Damascus comes at a sensitive time for the region, with ongoing conflicts and power struggles among various countries and groups. Russia’s involvement in Syria has been a significant factor in the civil war, and the recent change in leadership in Syria has implications for Russia’s presence in the country. Sybiga’s push for the removal of Russian forces reflects Ukraine’s stance on the conflict and its efforts to support the Syrian people in their struggle for stability and normalcy.
Sybiga emphasized that the strategic view is to remove Russia’s presence in Syria to contribute to the stability of not just Syria but the entire Middle East and Africa. Ukraine’s support for the Syrian people in rebuilding their country and overcoming years of dictatorship shows their commitment to humanitarian aid and stability in the region. Zelensky’s announcement of the food aid shipment highlights Ukraine’s willingness to help in practical ways, such as providing essential resources like wheat flour to those in need in Syria.
The situation in Syria remains complex, with multiple players involved and conflicting interests at play. The interactions between Ukraine, Russia, and Syria illustrate the challenges and opportunities in the region, with power dynamics and geopolitical factors influencing decisions and actions. The visit by the Ukrainian foreign minister to Damascus and the discussions around Russia’s presence in Syria shed light on the evolving dynamics in the Middle East and the efforts of various countries to influence the outcomes in the conflict-ridden region.
