**Ukraine and Syria Discuss Russia’s Military Presence**
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with leaders of the new Syrian administration in Damascus on December 30. During his visit, he expressed Ukraine’s position on Russia’s military presence in Syria. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that Ukraine informed its colleagues about their stance, and Syrian counterparts hold a similar view.
**Ukraine Rebuilds Ties with Syria**
Sybiha’s visit marked the first official Ukrainian delegation to Syria in years. It is part of efforts to rebuild diplomatic ties cut by Ukraine in 2022 after Syria sided with Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine is ready to restore diplomatic ties, trade, and educational exchanges with Syria if the country’s new leadership respects international law and its territorial integrity.
**Ukraine Exports Grow**
Preliminary data shows that Ukraine’s exports grew by more than 13% over the past year, primarily due to stabilizing the functioning of Ukrainian seaports. This growth is part of the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, which involves sending wheat flour to countries in need.
**New Military Ombudsman Appointed**
President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed human rights activist Olha Reshetylova to the newly-created position of military ombudsman on December 30. This appointment aims to improve the treatment and protection of Ukrainian prisoners of war.
**Russia’s Actions Condemned**
The United States condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, stating that Russia continues to carry out constant “human wave” assaults, suffering record losses. The US also announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine worth nearly $2.5 billion on December 30.
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