Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on September 24, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleUkraine and Syria have restored diplomatic ties at the UN General Assembly, aiming for stability and reduced Russian influence in Syria.
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -Ukraine and Syria formally restored diplomatic relations on Wednesday as their leaders met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.
Ukraine broke off relations with Syria in June 2022 after ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad's government recognised the independence of swathes of occupied Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion.
Ukraine has worked to engage with Syrian authorities since the December 2024 toppling of Assad, who was for years a staunch Russian ally and allowed Moscow to build up a military foothold on its territory.
"We are pleased with this important step and are ready to support the Syrian people on their path to stability," Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram after announcing the restoration of diplomatic relations.
Zelenskiy sent his foreign minister to Damascus last December to hold talks with the new Syrian leadership, urging them to cut Russia's presence from its territory and promising food aid shipments.
The Syrian leadership said it was hoping for close relations with Kyiv.
Russia, which has given Assad asylum, has itself made visible efforts to build relations with the new Syrian government and sent a big delegation headed by a top energy official to visit earlier this month.
On Wednesday, Zelenskiy told the U.N. General Assembly in his speech that Syria deserved stronger international support, and that Damascus was still having to appeal for an easing of crippling economic sanctions.
(Reporting by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Leslie Adler and Deepa Babington)
Ukraine formally restored diplomatic relations with Syria on Wednesday during a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly.
Ukraine severed ties with Syria in June 2022 after the Syrian government recognized the independence of occupied Ukrainian territories.
Zelenskiy expressed readiness to support the Syrian people on their path to stability and promised food aid shipments to the new Syrian leadership.
Russia has given asylum to Assad and has been working to strengthen its relations with the new Syrian government, sending a significant delegation to Damascus.
Zelenskiy stated that Syria deserves stronger international support and highlighted the ongoing economic challenges faced by Damascus.
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