Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directed the government to transform its support program for Syria into a long-term initiative, ensuring stability and predictability in collaboration with international partners, according to Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Vitaliy Koval.
“Syria requires nearly all food products due to the devastating impact of a 13-year war that has left the country unable to sustain domestic production,” Koval stated. He highlighted that with a population of 24 million, Syria’s agricultural sector is severely constrained by unfavorable climatic conditions. Of the country’s 4.4 million hectares of arable land, much is plagued by persistent drought. “As a result, Syria is looking to Ukraine not just for wheat, but also for flour, vegetable oil, sugar, meat, poultry, and beef,” the minister added.
Koval noted that discussions between the governments of Ukraine and Syria have led to an agreement that support must extend beyond one-time aid. “As a country experiencing its own challenges from war, Ukraine recognizes the importance of predictable food supply chains. Ukraine’s role in ensuring regional food security is critical, and we remain committed to supporting Syria and neighboring countries like Lebanon,” he said.
Ukraine has long been a leading global exporter of grains and oilseeds, with significant trade ties to the Middle East. However, prior to the recent political developments, Syria sourced most of its food supplies from Russia during President Bashar al-Assad's rule. These imports were disrupted due to logistical challenges and payment delays, leaving Syria in urgent need of alternative suppliers.
In December 2024, following the fall of Assad’s government, Ukraine provided 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria through the "Grain from Ukraine" initiative, with assistance from the UN World Food Program. This marked the first significant shipment of Ukrainian grain to Syria, signaling the start of a more structured and sustainable partnership aimed at addressing food security in the region.