Zelenskyy’s Damascus Visit Marks New Ukraine–Syria Rapprochement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Damascus during a recent Middle East tour and met Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa, signalling a restart and deepening of ties that were severed in 2022 after Syria recognised breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. The leaders agreed to reopen diplomatic missions in Kyiv and Damascus, discussed cooperation on security, reconstruction and energy infrastructure, and explored Ukraine’s role as a regional food supplier to bolster food security.

Analysts say the visit represents a geopolitical setback for Russia and opens multiple areas for bilateral cooperation over the medium term: legal Ukrainian grain exports to counter previously stolen supplies, military-technical exchanges (including drones and maintenance of Soviet-era equipment), humanitarian demining, and infrastructure rebuilding. Experts note potential sensitivities with Israel but stress Kyiv’s interest in pursuing its national priorities and stabilising regional food markets to reduce social unrest. as reported by Deutsche Welle