Ukraine seeks closer ties with Syria under new regime

By Miko Keen 

Financial Times Inspired Content

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has initiated a diplomatic outreach to Syria following the overthrow of Russian ally Bashar al-Assad, signaling a strategic effort to leverage Moscow’s diminished influence in the region. Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Sybiha and agriculture minister Mykola Solskyi met with Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group in Damascus to discuss collaboration and rebuilding efforts.

Sybiha emphasized Ukraine’s support for Syria’s transformation into a state that respects international law and territorial integrity. He criticized the prior Assad and Putin regimes, describing them as grounded in "violence and torture." The Assad regime, which had fled to Moscow after its overthrow, previously recognized Russian control over parts of eastern Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022, prompting Kyiv to sever diplomatic ties with Damascus.

In a public address, Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s readiness to contribute to Syria’s stabilization after years of Russian intervention. He linked Syria's recovery to Ukraine’s broader goal of restoring peace. As part of this effort, the initial shipment of 500 tonnes of Ukrainian wheat flour is set to arrive in Syria under the humanitarian “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, executed in partnership with the World Food Programme. Zelenskyy affirmed plans for additional aid and expanded cooperation across various sectors.

The fall of Assad has disrupted Syria-Russia relations, particularly in the realm of wheat supplies, which Syria had increasingly relied on due to war, sanctions, and economic collapse. Russian wheat shipments have ceased, intensifying hunger in a nation where bread remains a staple food. Ukraine’s wheat delivery, while modest, represents the first step in alleviating the crisis, with Kyiv promising more substantial shipments in the future.

Sybiha delivered a message from Zelenskyy to al-Sharaa, underscoring Ukraine’s commitment to assisting Syria in restoring stability, food security, and normalcy. The delivery of 20 wheat trucks was presented as a goodwill gesture, with Syrian officials highlighting their intention to deepen bilateral relations.

Syria’s foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, announced discussions on strategic political, economic, social, and scientific partnerships with Ukraine. At a joint press conference, Shaibani expressed Syria’s readiness to reengage with Arab and international partners and move past the estrangement under the previous regime. His upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia marks a significant step in Syria’s efforts to reintegrate into the regional and global community.