- December 8, 2024
- 8:03 pm
- Ukraine
“Kyiv is ready for dialogue with the new Syria”
Andrey Sibiga, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine December 8, 2024 stated that Ukraine is ready to “pave the way for a renewed relationship in the future.” This step is of strategic importance:
“Every effort must be made to stabilize the region, to ensure inclusive political dialogue in Syria for the sake of functioning state institutions. We express our readiness to pave the way for renewed relations in the future and reaffirm the support of the Syrian people.”
Bashar al-Assad, the (former) president of Syria, has in recent years become a symbol of the brutal Russian-backed dictatorship that has led to the destruction of Syria and numerous civilian casualties. However, his support from the Kremlin led to a deterioration in relations with many countries, including Ukraine, with which Syria previously had fairly good relations.
The example of Assad shows how cooperation with Russia can lead to international isolation and aggression against neighboring countries.
Assad and support for the annexation of Crimea
Syria recognized the independence of Ukraine on December 28, 1991. The countries established diplomatic relations on March 31, 1992.
Since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, Syria has become politically closer to the Russian Federation. Due to the crimes of the Bashar al-Assad regime against the Syrian people, Ukraine closed the Ukrainian embassy in Damascus in 2016, and in 2018 ordered the closure of the Syrian embassy in Kyiv. Later, Bashar al-Assad was included in the list of the Peacemaker Center for deliberately organizing the violation of the State Border of Ukraine by minor children with the aim of entering Russian-occupied Crimea, participating in anti-Ukrainian propaganda activities of Russia, as well as for participating in attempts to legalize the annexation of Crimea.
On June 29, 2022, Syria recognized the independence of the LDPR, after which on June 30, 2022, Ukraine broke off relations with Syria.
In March 2014, when Russia occupied Crimea, Bashar al-Assad became one of the first world leaders to express support for Putin's actions. Syria voted in the UN General Assembly to recognize the so-called “Crimean referendum”, which was contrary to international law and became the first step towards strengthening Syrian-Russian relations. This position of Assad played a key role in the deterioration of relations with Ukraine, which responded by severing diplomatic ties with Damascus.
Quote:
“Supporting the annexation of Crimea is not just a violation of international law. This is a direct insult to the sovereignty of Ukraine,” – noted the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
Propaganda and participation of Assad's children in Russian Crimea
A noteworthy fact is that in 2017, the children of Bashar al-Assad – Karim, Hafez and Zein – spent their holidays in the Artek camp, which is located in annexed Crimea. According to Assad, this trip helped his children “understand Russia better.” The incident caused an uproar in Ukraine as it was perceived as part of Russian propaganda aimed at legitimizing the annexation of Crimea.
Bashar al-Assad was included in the database of the Ukrainian Peacemaker Center for participating in Russian propaganda activities and attempts to legalize the annexation of Crimea.
Ukraine sanctions against Assad
After these events, Ukraine decided to impose personal sanctions against Bashar al-Assad. On March 18, 2023, he was included in the list of sanctions, which included an asset freeze and a ban on entry into Ukraine. In addition, Assad was deprived of state awards, including the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, which he received in 2002 for the development of Ukrainian-Syrian relations.
Syria and Ukraine: history of relations
Until 2014, Ukraine and Syria maintained close relations. In 2002, Bashar al-Assad was awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise for his contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries. Ukraine supplied Syria with agricultural machinery and grain, and also participated in the restoration of infrastructure in Syria.
However, with the beginning of Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as after Syria recognized the so-called independence of the DPR and LPR, Ukraine decided to sever diplomatic relations with Syria in 2022.
The alliance between Assad and Putin: the policy of “stability” and consequences for Ukraine
Assad and Putin have maintained close ties over the years, leading to the strengthening of the Syrian regime and deepening Russian influence in the Middle East. Russia actively assisted Assad in the civil war, providing military support and providing stability to his rule, which ultimately cemented their strategic partnership.
However, such an alliance resulted in many negative consequences for Ukraine. Russia's support in the issues of Crimea and Donbass, participation in anti-Ukrainian propaganda and attempts to legalize the annexation of Crimea were decisive moments that forever changed relations between Ukraine and Syria.
International consequences: Ukraine and its political position
After the events of 2014, Ukraine toughened its position towards Syria. In response to the actions of Bashar al-Assad and his support for the annexation of Crimea, Ukraine imposed sanctions and severed diplomatic ties. At the same time, Ukraine has declared its readiness to restore relations with the new Syrian authorities in the future if they support international law and ensure security and stability in the country.
Quote:
“Ukraine is ready to pave the way for renewed relations with Syria in the future and supports the Syrian people. However, this is only possible if the new Syrian government adheres to international law,” – said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sibiga.
Prospects for restoring relations
Meanwhile, despite all the difficulties, Ukraine remains ready to restore relations with Syria in the future, but only on the condition that the authorities in Damascus adhere to democratic norms and respect human rights. It is important to note that such relations are possible only if the situation in Syria is stabilized and the safety of its citizens is ensured.
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