Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha arrived in Damascus on Monday, December 30, 2024, to meet with Syria’s new leadership, marking the first official Ukrainian delegation to visit Syria in years. This visit follows the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which had been backed by Russia and Iran for over a decade.
Sybiha’s delegation, which included key figures from Ukraine’s government, held talks with Ahmed al-Sharaa, now recognized as the de facto leader of Syria, and other Syrian officials. The discussions revolved around fostering a “strategic partnership” with potential collaboration in political, economic, and social spheres.
During the visit, Sybiha emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to support Syria in its stabilization efforts, highlighting the shared experiences of both nations in facing conflict and territorial integrity issues. This sentiment was echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who recently announced that Ukraine had sent its first shipment of 500 tonnes of wheat flour to Syria under the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, aimed at aiding food security in the war-torn country.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister’s visit signals a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, particularly in light of the recent changes in Syrian leadership. It’s clear that Ukraine is positioning itself to play a role in Syria’s post-Assad future, seeking to counterbalance Russian influence that has been predominant in the region.
Syrian officials expressed hope for strategic partnerships, with Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani stating that both nations have endured similar hardships over recent years, drawing parallels between the Syrian civil war and Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This visit also touched on the potential for economic cooperation, including technology exchange and joint ventures in various sectors.
The talks in Damascus included discussions on the future of Russian military bases in Syria, with both sides expressing a similar view on reducing Russian military presence. This could have significant implications for regional security dynamics, especially concerning the bases at Hmeimim and Tartous