The de facto ruler of Syria and leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) movement Ahmed al-Sharaa believes that he does not plan to completely sever relations with Russia, but at the same time plans to improve relations with Ukraine.
AFP writes about this with reference to al-Sharaa's interview with the Saudi TV channel Al Arabiya.
Syria considers Russia an “important country”
— Russia — is an important country and is considered the second most powerful in the world, — said the HTS leader.
He added that both Russia and Syria share common strategic interests.
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— All Syrian weapons are of Russian origin, and many power plants are run by Russian experts. We do not want Russia to leave Syria in a way that would undermine its relations with the country, — he said.
In the past, the Russian Foreign Ministry indicated that the future of Russia's military bases could become a subject of discussion between Moscow and Damascus.
It is noteworthy that Russia was a key ally of the previous Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, whose regime fell after HTS came to power.
Since then, an additional Russian contingent has been moved to Syria, which was located at Russian military bases in this Arab country.
Syria and Ukraine are improving relations
In turn, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga also arrived in Syria on December 30, where he has already met with Ahmed al-Shaar and discussed the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations between the countries.
Andriy Sybiga reported on social networks that he conveyed to the Syrian leader a message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Ukraine is ready to help the Syrian people restore normal life, stability and food security.
Photo: MZS
The Ukrainian minister added that he expects Syria to respect international law, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Regarding the establishment of mutual relations between Ukraine and Syria, Minister Sybiha added that such steps on both sides will pave the way for the full restoration of diplomatic ties between Damascus and Kyiv.
— We are ready to develop cooperation in a number of areas, — he added.
In turn, President Zelensky reported that the Ukrainian delegation held important talks with the Syrian administration, the leader of Syria and Syrian ministers.
— We support the Syrian people in their efforts to overcome decades of dictatorial rule and restore stability, security and normal life in Syria, — Zelensky said and added that the first 500 tons of Ukrainian wheat flour for Syria should arrive tomorrow.
He, like Minister Sibiga, added that Ukraine values the chance to restore normal and stable life in Syria and is ready to develop long-term, strategic relations with the Arab country.
The HTS movement and the overthrow of the Assad regime
We recall that despite Moscow's desire to improve relations with Damascus, the HTS movement, which actually rules in Syria, is still legally banned in Russia.
This movement is also banned in the United States, however, official Washington also plans to restore relations with the new government in Syria.
The HTS movement became the main force in late November that led to the overthrow of the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. After the fall of the regime, Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia.
