Moscow: Russia claimed Wednesday that the recent escalation in Syria has a ‘Ukrainian trace’ as Moscow accused Kyiv of interacting with the armed anti-regime group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated at a news conference in Moscow that Russia received information about alleged interactions between Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) and the HTS, which Russia lists as a ‘terrorist organization.’ Zakharova claimed these interactions involve talks on the transfer of drones and expertise regarding their use, condemning the attack by anti-regime groups.
Zakharova further argued that many foreign members are among the anti-regime groups, including individuals from post-Soviet countries. She accused these groups of provoking a new wave of refugees in Syria and expressed Russia’s solidarity with Bashar al-Assad’s regime. She emphasized that Russia is actively working with international partners to stabilize the situation in Syria, primarily t
hrough the Astana format, noting close contact between the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia, and Trkiye.
Zakharova expressed hope that all countries influencing the situation in Syria will act quickly to restore stability, warning that strengthening armed anti-regime groups could pose additional security threats for the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry categorically rejected Russia’s claims of Kyiv’s involvement in Syria’s security situation. The ministry emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to international law and sovereignty, contrasting it with Russia’s actions. It reiterated that Russia and Iran bear the main responsibility for the worsening situation in Syria, citing crimes by the Assad regime that jeopardize Syria’s survival as an independent state.
The recent clashes, which erupted on November 27 between Assad regime forces and anti-regime armed groups in the western countryside of Aleppo, mark a re-escalation following a period of relative calm in the nearly 14-year conflict.