It was a surprise visit that the head of Ukrainian diplomacy made this Monday, December 30 to Damascus, in the hope of renewing relations with post-Bashar el-Assad Syria. Andrii Sybiha did not hide Ukraine’s ambition after the collapse of the deposed regime: the Russian presence in the country must be eliminated. Not sure, however, that the new Syrian authorities hear it that way.
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L’Ukraine had severed all diplomatic relations with the Syria in 2022, after Damascus’ recognition of the annexation of Crimea, but with the overthrow of Bashar al-AssadUkrainian diplomacy fully intends to reconnect with Syria. Main message brought by Andrii Sybiha, the head of Ukrainian diplomacy: the new authorities must turn their backs on Russia.
“ The Russian regime and the regime of Bashar al-Assad supported each other because they were founded on violence and torture. And we are convinced that the elimination of the Russian presence in Syria will contribute to the stability not only of the Syrian state, but also of the entire Middle East and Africa. Even though it will take time “, declared the head of Ukrainian diplomacy.
Will this argument be enough to convince Syria’s new strongman? Nothing is less certain: Russia is an important country », declared this Sunday Ahmad al-Chareh (previously known as Abu Mohammad al-Joulani) who points out the links established in the defense and energy sectors.
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To convince the new Syria to break with Moscow as quickly as possible, Ukraine, however, has a weighty argument: kyiv could indeed bring it the cereals that Russia supplied to the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
The visit of the head of Ukrainian diplomacy to Damascus also coincided with the announcement by Volodymyr Zelensky of food aid of 500 tonnes of wheat flour, which should arrive this Tuesday, December 31 in Syria.