Ukraine Offers Wheat to Syria in Exchange for Phosphates and Cooperation in Drone Systems

On April 5, 2026, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky made a significant visit to Damascus, during which he presented a proposal to the Syrian government for an agreement to supply wheat in exchange for phosphates at lower prices. This information was reported by the pan-Arab publication Asharq Al-Awsat, which highlighted that as part of this agreement, Ukraine seeks to establish collaboration in the field of unmanned aerial systems.

According to information obtained from retired Colonel Imad Shahoud, Ukraine is offering wheat in exchange for phosphates that are controlled by a Russian company, which holds approximately 70% of Syria's phosphate production. These phosphates are sold on the European market, raising concerns in Ukraine. Shahoud emphasized that one of the priorities for the Ukrainian delegation is to block the channels for selling stolen Ukrainian grain that Russia is attempting to market in the region at undervalued prices, particularly in Egypt, a major grain importer.

As stated by Shahoud, Zelensky is not only focused on halting the sale of stolen Ukrainian grain but also on ensuring the security of Syrian phosphates. Kyiv views Syria as a promising platform for advancing its military developments, indicating a desire to strengthen its position in the region.

In addition to the agricultural sector, an important aspect of the negotiations was technical partnership. Abdulwahab Assi, head of the research department at the Jusur Center, noted that Ukraine has the capability to provide Damascus with technologies for modernizing equipment and effectively countering Iranian drones. Assi emphasized that Ukraine is not a strategic alternative to Russia but rather a technical partner capable of helping to mitigate threats from Iranian missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as providing support in repairing technical aggregates.

Experts believe that Ukraine's increased activity in Syria, against the backdrop of weakening positions of Moscow, is a clear signal of a shift in the balance of power in the region. Damascus, in turn, is showing interest in leveraging Ukrainian expertise to restore its agricultural production and industrial base, which could be a crucial step in revitalizing the country's economy.

It is worth noting that Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Syria took place as part of a broader diplomatic tour across Middle Eastern countries, underscoring the significance of this region in Ukraine's foreign policy. The agreement to supply wheat in exchange for phosphates could mark an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Syria, as well as in the fight against Russian influence in this strategically vital area.