Ukraine to deliver food aid to post-Assad Syria

This handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on October 4, 2024. (AFP Photo)

This handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on October 4, 2024. (AFP Photo)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to deliver humanitarian food aid to Syria after the fall of former regime leader Bashar al-Assad. Partnering with international organizations, Ukraine aims to prevent a food crisis in Syria, which is facing supply disruptions because of ongoing instability.

Why it matters

Ukraine, a leading global exporter of grains and oilseeds, has not previously exported to Syria, which relied heavily on Russian wheat during Assad’s regime. With Russian supplies now suspended because of payment delays and logistical issues, Ukraine’s initiative could provide crucial support to Syria as it navigates this transitional period.

Key details

Ukrainian initiative: Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready to assist Syria through its humanitarian program, Grain from Ukraine, aimed at preventing hunger in countries facing crises.

This handout satellite image released by Maxar Technologies on December 13, 2024 shows an overview of the northern section the Russian Hmeimim Air Base in Syria's western province of Latakia. (Photo by Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies / AFP)This handout satellite image released by Maxar Technologies on December 13, 2024 shows an Antonov An-124 heavy transport aircraft preparing to load equipment at the Russian Hmeimim Air Base in Syria's western province of Latakia. - Islamist-led rebels took the Syrian capital Damascus in a lightning offensive on December 8, ousting president Bashar al-Assad and ending five decades of Baath rule in the country. Assad was propped up by Russia, where he reportedly fled, as well as Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group. (Photo by Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / SATELLITE IMAGE ©2024 MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTSThis handout satellite image released by Maxar Technologies on December 13, 2024 shows a Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter being disassembled and prepared for transport at the Russian Hmeimim Air Base in Syria's western province of Latakia. - Islamist-led rebels took the Syrian capital Damascus in a lightning offensive on December 8, ousting president Bashar al-Assad and ending five decades of Baath rule in the country. Assad was propped up by Russia, where he reportedly fled, as well as Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group. (Photo by Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / SATELLITE IMAGE ©2024 MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTSThis handout satellite image released and taken by Maxar Technologies on December 13, 2024 shows Russian S-400 air defence missile systems being assembled to depart from the Russian Hmeimim Air Base in Syria's western province of Latakia. - Islamist-led rebels took the Syrian capital Damascus in a lightning offensive on December 8, ousting president Bashar al-Assad and ending five decades of Baath rule in the country. Assad was propped up by Russia, where he reportedly fled, as well as Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group. (Photo by Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / SATELLITE IMAGE ©2024 MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Russia’s withdrawal: Under Assad’s rule, Syria imported substantial quantities of Russian wheat. However, shipments have been halted because of uncertainty and financial difficulties, according to sources in both countries.
Ukraine’s grain exports revived: Although Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 initially disrupted Ukraine’s Black Sea grain exports, the country has successfully reopened shipping routes from Odesa, bypassing a de facto blockade.

What’s next?

Zelenskyy directed his government to work closely with international organizations and partners to establish efficient food supply mechanisms for Syria.

This move positions Ukraine as a potential key player in Syria’s post-Assad recovery, offering both humanitarian and strategic support.

December 15, 2024 09:51 AM GMT+03:00