Ukraine announced plans Thursday to restore diplomatic relations with Syria following last month’s collapse of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s Russian-backed government in December 2024.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed this diplomatic shift alongside a new humanitarian aid program called “Grain from Ukraine” specifically targeted at Syria.

The program will begin with an immediate shipment of 500 tons of flour to Syria, which is expected to feed approximately 160,000 people for one month. This aid is particularly significant as Syria previously relied heavily on Russian grain imports. The move represents a major shift in regional dynamics and humanitarian assistance.

In addition to humanitarian aid, Ukraine is seeking to expand its economic influence in the Middle East. Mr. Zelenskyy announced plans to double Ukraine’s agricultural exports to Lebanon, which currently stand at $400 million, by the end of 2025. The Ukrainian president emphasized that regional stability would benefit all trading partners.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has already laid the diplomatic groundwork through a meeting in late December with Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julani, who now controls most of Syria. Mr. al-Julani, formerly the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, has emerged as Syria’s de facto ruler following recent political changes.

Read more: Zelenskyy: Ukraine to restore diplomatic relations with Syria after Assad ouster

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