Zelenskyy calls on Switzerland to join Ukraine’s aid initiative to Syria
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
During a phone conversation with the new President of Switzerland, Karin Keller-Sutter, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed a range of topics. He suggested that Switzerland join Ukraine's food assistance program for Syria, according to the Ukrainian President’s Office.
The Food from Ukraine program is a new initiative "aimed at supporting the Syrian people and preventing a food crisis in Syria," according to the President’s Office.
"Under this program, our state will supply agricultural products to Syria," the office explained.
It was also noted that the first 500 tons of Ukrainian wheat flour have already been sent to Syria.
"Ukraine calls on its partners to join the initiative and help restore stability in Syria, which is also a shared contribution to protecting lives worldwide," the President’s Office added.
Other topics discussed
During the January 7 phone call, Zelenskyy congratulated Karin Keller-Sutter on her election as president of Switzerland.
The President’s Office also reported that Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Switzerland for its political and humanitarian support for Ukraine, particularly for "the successful organization of the first Peace Summit and participation in thematic conferences that followed, as well as for the willingness to work together in the pursuit of a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine and all of Europe."
Zelenskyy also highlighted Switzerland's annual contributions to the humanitarian program Grain from Ukraine.
Additionally, the heads of state agreed "to continue the dialogue at their personal meeting scheduled for the near future."
Ukrainian food assistance for Syria
In mid-December 2024, President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine had agreed to assist Syria following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime due to a successful offensive by rebel forces. Kyiv plans to organize humanitarian and security efforts in the region.
On December 23, Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine-Syria cooperation at a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Headquarters.
Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi confirmed that Ukraine had established contact with Syria’s new government and was ready to restore diplomatic relations.
At the end of December, it was revealed that Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, had arrived in Damascus. He held talks with the Syrian leadership, including the country's president, Ahmad al-Sharaa.
In early January, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would assist in stabilizing the situation in Syria after the fall of Assad’s regime. He confirmed that Ukrainian grain would be delivered to the people of Syria.
