Diplomatic Ties Re-established at UN General Assembly
Ukraine and Syria have formally restored diplomatic relations, marking a significant shift in international alignments. The announcement came after a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly session in New York on September 25, 2025. The two leaders signed a Joint Communiqué, signaling a new era of cooperation between their nations.
Background to the Severance of Relations
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Syria were severed on June 30, 2022. This decision by Kyiv followed the Syrian government, then under Bashar al-Assad, recognizing the self-proclaimed 'Donetsk People's Republic' and 'Luhansk People's Republic' in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine had previously closed its embassy in Damascus in 2016 and ordered the closure of the Syrian embassy in Kyiv in 2018, citing human rights violations by the Assad regime and Syria's recognition of Russia's occupation of Crimea in 2014.
Syria's Political Transformation
The restoration of ties follows a dramatic political transformation in Syria. Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in December 2024 after nearly 14 years of civil war, fleeing to Moscow where he was granted political asylum. Subsequently, Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly a rebel commander, emerged as the de facto leader and was appointed President of Syria in January 2025. His address to the UN General Assembly marked the first time a Syrian leader had spoken at the summit in nearly six decades, with Syria's new UN ambassador, Ibrahim Olabi, calling it a 'historical moment.'
Discussions and Future Outlook
During their meeting, President Zelenskyy and President al-Sharaa discussed opportunities for cooperation, shared security threats, and the importance of building relations based on mutual respect and trust. Zelenskyy stated on Telegram that 'We welcome this important step and are ready to support the Syrian people on the path to stability.' The United States has also rolled back Assad-era sanctions on Syria, indicating a broader international shift in engagement with the new Syrian leadership. This diplomatic re-engagement is seen as a step towards Syria's reintegration into the international community and an opportunity for stability in the region.
5 Comments
Raphael
While it's good to see diplomatic ties restored, true peace in Syria will require much more than a change in leadership. The underlying issues are deep-seated.
Donatello
Rolling back sanctions? The West is too quick to forgive and forget.
Michelangelo
Assad is gone, and Syria is finally moving forward. Great move by Ukraine.
Muchacho
Don't trust Al-Sharaa. A leopard doesn't change its spots overnight.
BuggaBoom
The overthrow of Assad is certainly a positive development, opening doors for international cooperation. However, the path to a truly democratic and stable Syria is still long and fraught with challenges.