Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus in a visit that underscores Kyiv’s push to strengthen military ties across the Middle East and promote its military expertise following the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.
Zelenskyy arrived in the Syrian capital on Sunday alongside Turkish Minister for Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, signalling a coordinated regional effort to deepen security cooperation. The meeting comes at a time when Ukraine is seeking both strategic partnerships and practical support to counter sustained Russian missile and drone attacks.
Speaking after the talks, Zelenskyy said the two leaders had discussed the realities of the war in Ukraine and explored opportunities to share military expertise.
"We agreed to work together to provide more security and opportunities for development for our societies," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.
In a later post he said, "We managed to discuss everything: from security and defence issues and the situation in the region due to all the events around Iran to energy and infrastructure cooperation between our countries."
He highlighted what he described as “strong interest” from both sides in exchanging knowledge on security and defence, particularly in the field of drone warfare.
Ukraine has developed significant experience in countering drone strikes during more than four years of conflict with Russia. That expertise is now becoming a form of diplomatic currency, as Kyiv looks to trade its know-how for critical resources such as advanced air defence systems and ammunition.
The visit to Damascus follows a wider diplomatic push by Zelenskyy across the region. He travelled to Türkiye on Saturday, where he met President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and said he had agreed to new security cooperationsteps with President Erdoğan, and discussed joint gas infrastructure projects and gas field development.
Last weekend, Zelenskyy signed long-term military cooperation deals with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and he said a similar agreement was close with the UAE.
These deals are aimed at long-term military cooperation, with Ukraine offering technical support in exchange for strategic backing.
Ukraine’s need for support has become increasingly urgent. Daily barrages from Russian drones and missiles have placed strain on its air defences, and there are growing concerns in Kyiv that global attention - and supplies such as U.S. Patriot missile ammunition - could be diverted by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
For Syria, the meeting marks another step in redefining its foreign relations after the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad in 2024. Russia, a key ally of Assad during the country’s long civil war, continues to maintain a presence in Syria.
Al-Sharaa, who once led opposition forces, has so far adopted a more balanced approach, maintaining ties with Moscow while engaging new partners.
Despite Syria’s limited air defence capabilities, particularly against drone and missile threats, the country appears interested in Ukraine’s battlefield experience. Both leaders emphasised the potential for cooperation not only in security but also in economic areas, including food supply.
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine remains a reliable exporter of grain and discussed ways to strengthen food security across the region - an issue of growing concern amid ongoing instability.
The meeting in Damascus reflects a broader shift in Ukraine’s diplomacy: extending beyond Europe to build alliances in regions directly affected by similar security challenges.
For Kyiv, these partnerships may prove critical as it seeks to sustain its defence and maintain international support in an increasingly complex global landscape.
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