The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is concerned over Russia’s latest aggressive movements in the Middle East.

The attacks by Russian Air Force in Syria, which led to civilian deaths and did not cause substantial damage to ISIL, raise serious doubts over Russia’s ability to play a constructive role in the Syrian crisis settlement process.   

While using its slogan of confronting international terrorism as cover, the Kremlin is yet again carrying out its policy of creating instability zones and backing antidemocratic regimes. In the light of Russia’s continuing military aggression against Ukraine, which is accompanied by direct support for and funding of terrorism in Donbas, Moscow’s declared commitment to intensification of fight against terrorism in Syria appears especially cynical.

In expressing solidarity with the international community on the urgent need to eliminate ISIL as a global threat, Ukraine believes that sustainable peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through simultaneous neutralization of extremist groups and removal from power of the Damascus regime.

The political process should be aimed at establishing a Syrian national unity government, restoring sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.