Russia and Iran bear primary responsibility for escalation in Syria
Photo: Ukraine's Foreign Ministry believes that Russia and Iran are primarily responsible for escalation in Syria (Getty Images)
The suffering of Syrians is a consequence of the rule of Bashar al-Assad's regime, which has turned the country into a testing ground for the actions of other criminal regimes - those of Russia and Iran, according to the press service of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"The Syrian state is experiencing a new dangerous phase of war that could lead to unpredictable consequences for regional peace and security. Over thirteen years of war in Syria have brought incredible pain and suffering to its people. More than half a million Syrians have been killed, and millions have become refugees and internally displaced persons," the MFA statement reads.
The Ministry emphasized that the suffering and hardships of the Syrian people are the result of the criminal regime of Bashar al-Assad, who for decades not only carried out ruthless policies of suppressing his own people but also turned Syria into a testing ground for other criminal regimes - those of Russia, Iran, and their proxy forces, including Hezbollah.
The MFA recalled that in 2016, Assad recognized Russia's annexation of Crimea, and after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he assisted Russia by sending mercenaries to fight against Ukraine.
"The deepened military-technical cooperation between Russia and Iran is already destabilizing the security situation in Europe and the Middle East. Moscow and Tehran bear primary responsibility for the degradation of the security situation in Syria. The horrific crimes committed by the Assad, Putin, and Iranian Ayatollah regimes against Syrians have jeopardized Syria's survival as a unified, independent state," the MFA emphasized.
The Ministry added that Russian and Iranian authorities continue to make efforts to maintain control over the Syrian regime.
Rebel offensive in Syria
Last week, Syrian rebels, led by Islamists from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched an offensive on Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city. The Bashar al-Assad regime attempted to stop the opposition's advance with support from Russian forces.
Yesterday, it was reported that Syrian rebels had fully captured Aleppo.
According to Reuters, the Kremlin promised Assad additional military support, which could be sent to Syria within the next 72 hours.
Additionally, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence reported that Russian forces are suffering losses during battles in Syria.
It was also noted that Syrian dictator Assad broke the silence on the situation in the country amid the rebel offensive. He stated that Damascus is relying on the help of its allies to repel the advance of anti-government forces.
