Zelensky’s visit to Damascus could signal a strategic shift in post-Assad Syria
While the world was preoccupied with the events surrounding the US-Israeli war on Iran, the news of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Syria slipped in, the Ukrainian president arrived in Damascus aboard a Turkish state plane.
The visit of Volodymyr Zelensky to Damascus, highlighting its political and strategic implications, as he arrived aboard a Turkish aircraft without Recep Tayyip Erdogan accompanying him, and was officially received by Syrian president Ahmed al Sharaa at the People’s Palace in a ceremonious setting.
The visit drew attention in Russia, given that Zelensky is a wartime adversary of Moscow and was now visiting a country that had long been aligned with it under Bashar al Assad.
At the same time, statements from al Sharaa suggested a shift away from Russian influence, including plans to repurpose former Russian military bases into training facilities for a restructured Syrian army.
Zelensky’s trip appears to center on offering Ukraine’s military experience—particularly in countering drones and missile threats—to both Syria and Gulf countries.
This comes amid rising regional tensions, especially with Iran and the possibility of confrontation involving Hezbollah.
Reports indicate that discussions also touched on broader security cooperation and the evolving balance of power in the region.
The visit aligns with Ukraine’s growing diplomatic outreach in the Middle East, especially after several agreements on long-term military cooperation have already been signed with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with similar arrangements expected with the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, Kyiv and Damascus are moving toward reopening their embassies.
As for Türkiye’s role, which is notable throughout this development, as Zelensky traveled from Türkiye, accompanied by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, signaling Ankara’s support for Syria’s new political direction.
However, Erdogan himself didn’t travel to Damascus since the fall if the Assad rehime, and that reportedly due to security or political considerations, despite earlier symbolic statements about visiting the Syrian capital.
The contrast between past and present dynamics, as Assad had previously mocked Zelensky and strongly backed Russia’s stance in the Ukraine war, yet the current Syrian leadership is now engaging directly with Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Zelensky continues to express openness to negotiations with Vladimir Putin, with Türkiye positioned as a potential host for future talks.
