Ukraine and Syria formally restored diplomatic relations Wednesday during a high-level meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syrian representatives at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), marking a significant shift in bilateral engagement.
The move reverses Ukraine’s 2022 decision to sever ties following Syria’s recognition of separatist regions in eastern Ukraine. Since December 2024, Kyiv has actively pursued dialogue with Damascus, culminating in Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s landmark visit to Syria last winter.
“This step strengthens regional stability and opens avenues for mutual cooperation,” Zelenskyy stated on Telegram, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery efforts. Syrian authorities echoed the sentiment, expressing hopes for expanded economic and political collaboration.
During his UNGA address, Zelenskyy called for increased international assistance to Syria, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian challenges exacerbated by economic sanctions. “The Syrian people deserve a path toward rebuilding their nation,” he asserted, framing the restored ties as part of broader peacebuilding efforts.
The development signals Ukraine’s strategic outreach to Middle Eastern partners amid global geopolitical realignments, while analysts note potential implications for regional security dynamics and post-conflict reconstruction initiatives.
