Ukraine Steps Up Support For Middle East, As Russia Is Booted Out of Syria

The media center in downtown Damascus is abuzz with foreign journalists looking to interview Syria’s new defacto leadership. The hum of drills and construction reverberates through the building, signaling the new government’s determination to redefine itself. Just one month after the ousting of Assad, the government is working hard to fill positions across sectors, from sanitation to customs and immigration.

No press pass, no free lunch, Russian journalists do not pass go

The windows in the press office remain covered with a thin layer of soot, diffusing the light into the crowded waiting room and casting a cinematic glow. A boy carrying a silver tray weaves through the room, offering tea, while cigarette smoke curls lazily toward the ceiling. Despite the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) efforts to portray a reformed image, reminders of the old Syria linger in small, familiar details.

A sudden click of heels interrupts this easy atmosphere as a nearly 6-foot-tall woman struts into the room, her perfectly coiffed blonde hair and floor-length golden cape swooshing dramatically behind her. Her pursed fake lips reveal her frustration— she is a Russian journalist who has just been denied a press pass by HTS. Moments earlier, she was overheard boasting about plans to visit locations like the Russian naval base in Tartus. While she is allowed to stay in Syria, the privileges once extended to Russian journalists are no longer available.

Just weeks ago, the boutique hotels in Old Town Damascus were full of Russian journalists who enjoyed near-exclusive access to the country. Now, following Assad’s flight to Moscow, Western journalists operate freely, and the Russians who supported the regime find themselves sidelined.

Food from Ukraine

Wandering the streets of Damascus, one cannot miss the breadlines or women selling pre-packaged pita bread. Syria, classified by the World Food Programme as food insecure, faces acute shortages, with bread being a staple of the national diet. Ukraine, often referred to as the “breadbasket of the world,” has stepped in to help. Leveraging its agricultural strength, Ukraine announced it would deliver 500 tonnes of grain to Syria through its new humanitarian initiative, Food from Ukraine. In a post on X, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy said that the wheat flour would be distributed to 33,250, or 167,000 people. Each package weighs 15 kilograms, enough to feed a family of five for one month.

Despite grappling with its own economic challenges from Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has pledged critical aid to Syria. As of January 2025, the average monthly salary in Ukraine is approximately 21,070 UAH (about $500), a stark contrast to Syria’s $42.22 monthly average. The Food from Ukraine initiative, spearheaded by President Zelenskyy, shows Ukraine’s commitment to addressing global food insecurity while strengthening alliances with newly liberated nations.

Partnering with international organizations like the United Nations and the World Food Programme, Ukraine continues to deliver aid to regions in need, underscoring the interconnectedness of humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.

Ukraine on the global stage

Zelenskyy’s announcement of grain shipments highlights Ukraines solidarity with Syria, which, until December 8th, received vast military support from Russia under Assad. The Ukrainian President’s announcement was followed up by a trip from foreign minister Sybiha to discuss relations moving forward.

During the visit, Sybiha met with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Bashir, and Foreign Minister Asaad Hasan Al-Sheybani. Discussions centered on re-establishing diplomatic ties, enhancing trade, and initiating educational exchanges. Ukraine also offered to resume education programs for Syrian students and share its expertise in documenting war crimes to support Syria’s pursuit of justice for those affected by the Assad regime. In a symbolic gesture, Ukraine reopened its consulate in Damascus, cementing its commitment to a long-term partnership.

Sybiha, a seasoned diplomat who previously held posts in Turkey and Poland, some of Ukraine’s most important and nuanced partnerships, arrived back in Kyiv to high praise. Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s support for stabilizing Syria and pledged collaboration with European and American allies to bolster trade and security in the Middle East, saying in a post on X.

The bigger picture

As Russia exploits African nations for resources in exchange for security, Ukraine is emerging as a global influencer by offering aid and support to nations freed from Russian domination. Initiatives like Food from Ukraine showcase Kyiv’s growing clout on the international stage, solidifying its reputation as a humanitarian and geopolitical leader.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has not only dominated political discourse but also proven itself a global innovator in fields like drone and information technology. Now, with strategic moves in the Middle East, Ukraine is poised to make significant gains in global politics, cementing its role as a leader for change and solidarity.