Ukraine restores diplomatic ties with Syria, says Zelenskyy

Ukraine and Syria formally restored diplomatic relations on Wednesday (September 24, 2025) as their leaders met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned.

Ukraine broke off relations with Syria in June 2022 after ousted Syrian chief Bashar al-Assad’s authorities recognised the independence of swathes of occupied Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Ukraine has labored to interact with Syrian authorities for the reason that December 2024 toppling of Assad, who was for years a staunch Russian ally and allowed Moscow to construct up a army foothold on its territory.

“We are happy with this vital step and are able to help the Syrian folks on their path to stability,” Mr. Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram after saying the restoration of diplomatic relations.

Mr. Zelenskyy despatched his Foreign Minister to Damascus final December to carry talks with the brand new Syrian management, urging them to chop Russia’s presence from its territory and promising meals help shipments.

The Syrian management mentioned it hoped for shut relations with Kyiv.

Russia, which has given Assad asylum, has itself made seen efforts to construct relations with the brand new Syrian authorities and despatched an enormous delegation headed by a high power official to go to earlier this month.

On Wednesday (September 24, 2025), Mr. Zelenskyy informed the U.N. General Assembly in his speech that Syria deserved stronger worldwide help, and that Damascus was nonetheless having to attraction for an easing of crippling financial sanctions.