During a briefing for the representatives of Ukrainian and foreign media, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Heorhii Tykhyi, answered a journalist's question about Ukraine's official position regarding the recent decision of the new Syrian authorities to revoke the agreement with Russia on the use of the seaport of Tartus:
«We in Ukraine welcome the revocation by the Syrian authorities of the investment agreement with the Russian side on the use of the seaport of Tartus. We believe that this step testifies to the patriotism and determination of the new Syrian authorities in restoring the national sovereignty of Syria as a state over the objects of transport economic infrastructure and returning them to the ownership of the Syrian people, as it should be.
Moreover, it is not the only decision recently made by the Syrian leadership. We also welcome the decision to ban the import of goods originating from Russia. We believe that it is quite fair and logical that the Russian Federation is gradually losing the opportunity to influence the future of the Syrian people, who, as you know, over the past 10 years have suffered significantly from Russian atrocities.
Ukraine confirms its readiness to further help the Syrian people, to provide humanitarian support, which these people now really need, we know it. And, as you know, the first batches of aid have already been delivered to Syria, they will continue. We believe that we have all the opportunities to quickly and effectively replace the products that were supplied by the Russian aggressor, mainly to Assad’s regime. It should be emphasized that it went to Assad, and not so much to the Syrians.
And the Minister, as you know, held a meeting with his Syrian colleague in Davos, where they discussed the further scaling of the "Food from Ukraine" program. You know that the Minister makes special efforts, talks to foreign colleagues, if we count recently, probably several dozen conversations with foreign colleagues concerned, in particular, the food program from Ukraine for Syrians. Thus, we want to scale up the assistance that is available and, together with our partners, help the Syrian people, and this work will definitely continue».