Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Damascus Sunday for an unannounced meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking a significant diplomatic pivot as Ukraine seeks to expand its influence in the Middle East following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's Russia-aligned government.
The meeting focused on military cooperation and security experience sharing, building on Ukraine's four-year war expertise in countering drone and missile attacks. Both leaders expressed strong interest in defense collaboration as Syria rebuilds its security apparatus under new leadership.
We agreed to work together to bring greater security and more opportunities for development to our societies. There is strong interest in exchanging military and security experience.
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President — Ukrainska Pravda
The Damascus visit caps a week-long Middle Eastern diplomatic tour that took Zelensky from Saudi Arabia to Turkey. In recent weeks, Ukraine has positioned itself as a defense technology provider across the region, offering expertise developed during its conflict with Russia to Gulf nations facing Iranian missile and drone threats.
Beyond military cooperation, the leaders discussed Ukraine's role as a grain supplier and joint opportunities to strengthen regional food security. Zelensky acknowledged Syria's infrastructure and energy challenges following Assad's December 2024 overthrow, signaling potential Ukrainian involvement in reconstruction efforts.
Frames the story as Ukraine's strategic pivot toward Middle Eastern military partnerships, emphasizing the practical defense cooperation aspects. Presents the diplomatic engagement as part of Ukraine's broader effort to expand international support and counter Russian influence in traditional Moscow-aligned regions.