Syria’s humanitarian crisis has worsened following Russia’s decision to suspend wheat exports to the country, leaving millions at risk of food insecurity. The abrupt halt in supplies has created a critical void, but Ukraine has pledged to step in, offering food aid and expressing solidarity with the Syrian people in the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s regime’s collapse.
Russia Withdraws Support
Russia, previously Syria’s primary wheat supplier, suspended shipments due to “uncertainty about the new authority” and delayed payments for past deliveries, according to sources cited by Reuters. Shipping data revealed that two vessels carrying Russian wheat destined for Syria failed to reach their destination.
For years, the former Assad regime relied heavily on Russian wheat, which was secured through financial arrangements designed to bypass Western sanctions. Russian supplies were vital for Syria as its domestic wheat production dwindled, and the regime slashed support for local farmers in favor of cheaper imports. The suspension has left Syria struggling to secure wheat from international markets, where Western sanctions, although not targeting food directly, complicate procurement efforts.
Ukraine Extends a Helping Hand
In response to the crisis, Ukraine has offered to provide wheat and other food supplies to Syria. Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Vitaly Koval told Reuters, “Wherever things are difficult, we have to be there with our food. We are open to supplying our food, and if Syria needs it, we will meet the demand.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a humanitarian initiative to deliver food to Syria under the “Grain from Ukraine” program. He directed his government to establish mechanisms for food supply in cooperation with international organizations. “For Ukraine, this is important: the calmer the situation in such areas, the more active the world will be in helping us achieve peace,” said Zelensky via social media.
Ukraine has resumed grain exports through the Black Sea after breaking a de facto naval blockade imposed by Russia. While Syria has not been a traditional recipient of Ukrainian grain, analysts believe small quantities have reached Syrian markets via neighboring countries.
The suspension of Russian wheat comes at a time when Syria is already grappling with a major food crisis. The World Food Programme (WFP) recently estimated that 12.9 million Syrians are food insecure, with 3 million facing severe food insecurity.
Rebuilding Relations
Ukraine’s efforts to supply food to Syria signal a broader intention to rebuild relations with the country following the fall of Assad, a long-time ally of Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha stated, “We are ready to pave the way for restoring relations in the future and confirm our support for the Syrian people.”
At the same time, Syria’s transitional government has reached out to Russia, calling for a continued partnership but urging Moscow to prioritize relations with the Syrian people over its ties to the Assad regime. The crisis underscores the fragile balance Syria must navigate as it rebuilds, with shifting alliances and a dire need for humanitarian support shaping its immediate future.
Ukraine Takes the Lead
As Syria faces the twin challenges of securing food supplies and rebuilding its war-torn infrastructure, Zelensky called on the international community to join efforts to stabilize the country. “The war that broke out more than a decade ago with the participation of Iran and Russia must finally end,” he said. For now, Ukraine’s willingness to step in and provide food aid offers hope to millions of Syrians, even as international organizations scramble to address the deepening crisis.
