Kiev involved in Syrian conflict – Moscow
A significant “Ukrainian trace” has been detected among foreign fighters in northwestern Syria, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has claimed. The diplomat cited data available on cooperation between Kiev and the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), including on drones, following a claim Ukraine’s intelligence services likely collaborated with the jihadists.
The Kyiv Post has reported that Islamist groups involved in recent attacks in Aleppo province could have been prepared by the ‘Khimik’ Special Forces unit of Ukraine’s military intelligence service (HUR), which allegedly provided “operational training” to militants in Idlib province.
“This is not the first region where the Kiev regime applies its criminal experience,” Zakharova stated, as cited by newspaper Vedomosti, highlighting previous Ukrainian involvement in conflicts across Africa and now, reportedly, in Syria.
“Radicals are clearly trying to undermine years of efforts toward stability in this country, posing serious security risks for civilians, particularly in conflict zones,” Zakharova explained. She condemned the use of civilians as human shields, describing it as a disturbing tactic amid the ongoing violence.
Zakharova also suggested that these terrorist acts likely benefit from external support aimed at reigniting conflict in Syria. “We express our solidarity with the leadership and people of Syria in this challenging situation,” she said, reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) terrorist group, formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, and its allies conducted a large-scale surprise attack in northwestern Syria last week. The militants pushed back government forces, seizing significant territory in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, has been under government control since 2016.
HTS is classified as a terrorist organization by Syria, Russia, Iran, the US, and other countries. Its recent actions in Syria mark the first major clash between the jihadists and government forces since March 2020, when a ceasefire was brokered by Russia and Türkiye.
Syrian President Bashar Assad has vowed to “eliminate terrorists” and punish their “sponsors and supporters.” Damascus has accused Western nations of providing support to terrorist groups in the region. Meanwhile, Russian forces have intensified airstrikes against the militants, maintaining a strong military presence in Syria, with bases in Hmeimim and Tartus.
