Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced plans to reestablish diplomatic relations with Syria, following the recent overthrow of the Russia-backed government in Damascus. This move signals a potential shift in Ukraine ‘s foreign policy and its efforts to strengthen ties in the Middle East.

“We are preparing to resume diplomatic relations with Syria and cooperation in international organizations,” Zelenskiy announced in a post on X, following a visit to Syria by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Agriculture Minister Vitaliy Koval.

According to Reuters, Ukraine severed diplomatic ties with Syria in June 2022 after the Assad regime recognized the “independence” of the Russian-occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk. However, with the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces last month, Ukraine is seeking to establish relations with Syria’s new Islamist rulers.

Kyiv has already begun humanitarian outreach, sending 500 metric tons of wheat flour to Syria under its “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, in collaboration with the U.N. World Food Programme. This delivery is expected to provide food for around 167,000 Syrians for a month, according to Agriculture Minister Koval.

“We aim to ensure that our support is sustainable, long-lasting, and predictable,” Koval emphasized, adding that further shipments, including oil, sugar, and meat, are under discussion.

Beyond humanitarian efforts, Zeleskiy also mentioned in his post plans to strengthen economic ties with neighboring Lebanon, with an eye to doubling agricultural exports from $400 million. This aligns with Kyiv’s broader strategy to boost its influence and partnerships in the region.