Zelenskyy signals shift in Ukraine’s relations with Syria
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looks on during a press conference after the European Council meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels on December 19, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Thursday that his administration is preparing to restore diplomatic relations and enhance cooperation with Syria, following a high-level diplomatic visit to Damascus late last month.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha led a Ukrainian delegation to Damascus on Dec. 30, where discussions were held with Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of Syria’s new administration. The delegation later traveled to Beirut to engage with Lebanese officials in a bid to strengthen regional partnerships.
“This year, we may add more countries to our reliable partners, particularly Syria. We are preparing to renew our diplomatic relations with Syria and our cooperation within international organizations,” Zelenskyy stated in a video address after receiving updates from Sybiha and Agriculture Minister Vitaliy Koval on the outcomes of the trip.
The Ukrainian president highlighted the economic implications of these engagements, noting a potential doubling of agricultural exports to Lebanon, which currently amount to $400 million annually. “We are preparing to at least double that amount,” Zelenskyy said.
The renewed interest in Syria and Lebanon is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to expand its global partnerships. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of African nations in this vision, revealing plans to strengthen Kyiv’s agreements on the continent in 2025. “Each such new partnership means greater opportunities for our diplomacy and greater opportunities for our economy,” he said, instructing Sybiha to pursue specific agreements with African countries.
In a separate statement, Zelenskyy announced the launch of the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative aimed at fostering cooperation with Syria and other interested partners. The program seeks to integrate efforts with European and American allies to stabilize the Middle East, which Zelenskyy described as essential for advancing global peace and trade.
Kyiv’s decision to explore renewed ties with Damascus marks a significant policy shift, as Ukraine severed its diplomatic relations with Syria in 2022. The break followed the Syrian regime’s recognition of the “independence” of Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy underscored Ukraine’s commitment to stability in the Middle East. “More stability in the Middle East means more peace and trade for all partners,” he said, signaling Kyiv’s readiness to re-engage with Syria under its new leadership while solidifying ties across the region.
