Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
A solid Russian foothold is looking shaky.
A solid Russian foothold is looking shaky.
What is happening?
Ukraine and Syria officially restored diplomatic relations on Wednesday, marking a significant geopolitical shift.
The announcement came during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Syrian officials on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Reuters reports.
Relations severed after Syria backed Russia
Ukraine originally cut ties with Syria in June 2022
At the time, the Assad government had recognized the independence of Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine, shortly after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion.
That recognition prompted Kyiv to break off diplomatic contact in protest.
Assad’s fall opens a new chapter
The political thaw follows the December 2024 ousting of long-time Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Assad, a key ally of Russia, had allowed Moscow to entrench itself militarily within Syria.
With his departure, Kyiv saw an opportunity to reengage with Damascus on new terms.
Zelenskiy welcomes renewal of relations
“We are pleased with this important step and are ready to support the Syrian people on their path to stability,” Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram following the diplomatic announcement.
Kyiv moves quickly to build ties
In December last year, Zelenskiy dispatched Ukraine’s foreign minister to Damascus for direct talks.
During the visit, Kyiv urged Syria to reduce Russian influence on its soil and pledged humanitarian support, including deliveries of food aid.
Syria expresses interest in closer relations
The new Syrian leadership responded positively, expressing a desire to strengthen ties with Ukraine.
This marks a notable pivot from the country’s previous alignment under Assad, who maintained deep ties with Moscow throughout the Syrian civil war.
Russia tries to hold its ground in Syria
Despite Assad’s fall, Russia continues to seek influence in Syria.
Earlier this month, it sent a high-level delegation led by a senior energy official to meet with the new government.
The Kremlin is still vying to maintain a strategic presence in the region.
Zelenskiy calls for support at U.N.
Speaking before the U.N. General Assembly, Zelenskiy said Syria still struggles under harsh economic sanctions and deserves broader international support.
He urged the global community to engage with Damascus and help its transition toward peace and recovery.
Context
Russia’s foothold in Syria is under threat following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2024.
With Russia distracted by Ukraine, it pulled back support, prompting Assad’s flight to Moscow.
A shift away from Moscow after Assad
Syria’s new leadership is cautiously pivoting westward, printing currency in Germany and the UAE, and accepting Ukrainian humanitarian aid.
While military cooperation hasn’t ended, Damascus appears to be distancing itself from the Kremlin, with the restoration of diplomatic ties with Kyiv being the most recent indication of this path.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
