Mon Dec 30 12:55:20 UTC 2024: ## Ukraine Seeks to Strengthen Ties with New Syrian Leadership Amidst Power Vacuum

**DAMASCUS, SYRIA** – In a significant diplomatic move, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visited Damascus this week to foster closer ties with Syria’s new leadership, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad on December 8th. The visit, considered highly consequential, involved meetings with de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and other officials.

Syria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, expressed hope for a “strategic partnership” with Ukraine, highlighting shared experiences of prolonged conflict. He drew parallels between Syria’s 14-year war and Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.

Minister Sybiha stated Ukraine’s aim to restore full diplomatic relations, including mutual recognition of sovereignty. He emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to food security in Syria, announcing the recent delivery of 500 tonnes of wheat flour, a crucial contribution amidst disruptions caused by the halting of Russian wheat shipments due to payment delays and uncertainty surrounding the new government.

The Ukrainian visit is seen by some as a bid to counter Russia’s long-standing influence in Syria. Minister Sybiha explicitly linked Russia’s presence in Syria to instability in the region, asserting that its removal would contribute to broader stability. However, al-Sharaa affirmed the “deep strategic interests” between Russia and Syria, highlighting Russia’s significant role in Syria’s military and infrastructure.

The change in Syrian leadership has sparked questions about the future of Russia’s military bases in Syria, crucial to its regional and African operations. While Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated negotiations are planned with the new government, the situation presents a complex power struggle involving various international actors including the US, Russia, Turkey, and Qatar. Analysts suggest the Ukrainian visit may be part of a broader Western strategy to lessen Russian influence in the region. The coming weeks and months will reveal how the evolving geopolitical landscape in Syria will impact the relationships between the various involved parties.

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