Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, has accused Ukraine’s intelligence services of aiding rebel groups fighting against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government. During a Security Council meeting, Nebenzia alleged that Ukrainian support included supplying weapons and training fighters associated with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Key Allegations Against Ukraine
- Support to Rebels: Russia claims Ukrainian military intelligence (GUR) is providing arms to HTS fighters in northwest Syria.
- Training Fighters: Nebenzia alleged that Ukrainian instructors are training these rebels, including preparation for combat against Russian forces stationed in Syria.
- Visible Association: The ambassador highlighted that HTS fighters are “openly flaunting” their ties to Ukrainian intelligence.
These allegations come amidst an ongoing offensive led by HTS and allied groups, significantly altering Syria’s civil war dynamics.
Escalation of Conflict in Syria
The latest offensive has seen Islamist rebels advance towards Syria’s fourth-largest city, Hama, following their capture of Aleppo. In response, Syria’s army, with Russian air support, has launched strikes targeting rebel positions in Hama and Idlib provinces.
Ukraine Responds to Allegations
Kyiv has dismissed the allegations, pointing fingers at Russia and Iran as the primary instigators of the renewed violence. Ukraine’s foreign ministry condemned Assad’s recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, calling his regime a symbol of “inhuman cruelty and tyranny.”
The ministry further criticized Russia and Iran for using drones to attack Ukrainian territories, intensifying the already volatile geopolitical scenario.
Background on Russia’s Role in Syria
Russia has been a key ally of Assad since its 2015 military intervention, which shifted the civil war in the government’s favor. The current claims against Ukraine add a new layer of complexity to the regional and international conflicts surrounding Syria.
Global Implications
The allegations underline the growing entanglement of the Syrian civil war with broader geopolitical rivalries, further straining relations between Russia and Ukraine.
