Volodymyr Zelensky Makes Historic Visit to Syria Following the Fall of Bashar Assad's Regime

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has embarked on his first official visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, following the collapse of Bashar Assad's regime. This visit, reported by the Syrian news agency Sana, underscores the importance of this event for both countries as they seek to strengthen diplomatic ties.

According to information shared on the president's official Telegram channel, Zelensky was welcomed by the head of the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Asaad Hasan al-Shaibani, at Damascus International Airport. In his message, the president stated, "Today in Damascus. We continue our active Ukrainian diplomacy for real security and economic interaction. Important meetings are ahead - several substantive formats have been prepared. Every nation, every region deserves a peaceful life." He also shared a brief video from Damascus, highlighting the significance of his visit.

This visit comes against the backdrop of Ukraine's recent diplomatic efforts in the region. On April 4, 2025, Zelensky visited Istanbul, where he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. This indicates a revitalization of Ukraine's foreign policy in the Middle East.

It is noteworthy that on September 24, 2025, Ukraine and Syria signed a Joint Communiqué on the restoration of diplomatic relations, marking a crucial step in the revival of cooperation between the two nations. This process began after Zelensky declared on December 9, 2024, that the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad had been overthrown, asserting that there were "no real Russian troops" in Syria.

On December 30, 2024, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga held talks with Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, Prime Minister Mohamed al-Bashir, and Foreign Minister Asaad Hasan al-Shaibani in Damascus. During these meetings, Sybiga congratulated the new government on the victory of the Syrian revolution and conveyed a personal message from President Zelensky, emphasizing Ukraine's readiness to support and assist the Syrian people.

Specifically, Ukraine has provided humanitarian aid by sending 500 tons of flour to Syria, intended for 3,000 families. This assistance is a vital part of Ukraine's efforts to promote stability in the region.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister stated that the country calls for the eradication of Russian presence in Syria, as this would contribute to stability across the entire Middle East and Africa. Thus, Zelensky's visit to Syria is not only symbolic but also a practical step towards strengthening bilateral relations and promoting peace in the region.