Ukraine signals diplomatic thaw with Syria following Assad’s regime fall

The visit marks Ukraine's first high-level engagement with Syria's new leadership since severing diplomatic ties after the Assad's regime recognized Russian territorial claims in eastern Ukraine.

Dec 30, 2024 - 21:00
Ukraine signals diplomatic thaw with Syria following Assad’s regime fall

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Syria's acting leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus. 30 December 2024.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Syria’s acting leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, marking a potential diplomatic reset between the two nations.

On 8 December 2024, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus and found asylum in Russia amid a rapid offensive by opposition forces. 

With the fall of the regime, Russia has begun a large-scale withdrawal of military personnel and equipment from Syria, described as a “strategic defeat for Russia.” Since its military intervention in 2015, Russia has been a crucial ally of al-Assad, providing military support to help him maintain power during the Syrian Civil War.

Ukraine severed ties with Syria in 2022 following Assad’s recognition of Russian territorial claims in eastern Ukraine.

During the meeting, Sybiha delivered a message from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Syrian people, offering support for Syria’s stability and food security.

“We rely on the new Syria respecting international law, including Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This will pave the way to fully restoring our diplomatic ties, political dialogue, and diplomatic presence,” Sybiha wrote.