Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, in a visit that underscores Kyiv’s growing diplomatic push across the Middle East as it seeks fresh security partnerships amid its ongoing war with Russia.
Zelensky arrived in the Syrian capital on Sunday alongside Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, following a stop over in Turkey the previous day and a wider Gulf tour last week. The trip comes at a moment of heightened regional tension, with the war in the Middle East complicating Ukraine’s already urgent defence needs.
In a post on X, Zelensky said he and Sharaa had discussed “the circumstances of Russia’s war against Ukraine”, adding that he was grateful for Syria’s support and noting “strong interest in exchanging military and security experience”.
He also pointed to economic cooperation, highlighting Ukraine’s role as a dependable food exporter and exploring “joint opportunities to strengthen food security across the region”.
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Search for security partnerships
Kyiv’s outreach reflects a pressing strategic calculation. Ukraine continues to face relentless Russian drone and missile attacks, placing enormous strain on its air defence systems. In particular, officials are concerned about the availability of US-supplied Patriot missile ammunition, fearing that competing demands linked to Middle Eastern conflicts could disrupt supply.
Against this backdrop, Ukraine has sought to position itself as both a security partner and a source of valuable battlefield expertise. Its experience in countering Russian drone warfare – including systems similar to those deployed by Iran in attacks across Gulf countries – has become a key bargaining chip.
Zelensky’s recent tour of the region has already yielded results. Last week, Ukraine signed defence agreements with both Qatar and Saudi Arabia, signalling a deepening of ties that extends beyond traditional Western allies.
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Syria’s balancing act
The meeting in Damascus was particularly notable given Syria’s complex relationship with Moscow. During the country’s 14-year civil war, Russia was a crucial ally of former president Bashar al-Assad, providing decisive military support through airstrikes. Assad is now living in exile in Moscow.
Sharaa, who once led rebel forces against Assad, has taken a more nuanced approach since coming to power. While opening new diplomatic channels – including with Ukraine – he has so far maintained a working relationship with the Kremlin.
In January, Sharaa met Russian President Vladimir Putin and has not requested the withdrawal of Russian forces from bases in Syria, suggesting a careful effort to balance competing international ties.
(with newswires)
