Damascus recognizes the new Russian borders with the territories which joined following the results of the referendums: the DPR, the LPR, the regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. About this in an interview with RIA Novosti said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
“Certainly. I say these are Russian territories, and even if the war had not taken place, these are historically Russian territories,” the Syrian president said, responding to a question about recognizing the new borders of the Russia.
According to him, Damascus’ position is clear and decisive, since Syria has a conviction on this issue, “not only for the sake of friendship with Russia, but also because these territories are the territories of Russia”.
Assad explained that Damascus’ opinion is based on historical facts. “They were transferred Ukraine maybe about 100 years ago, I think at the time of (Vladimir) Lenin. They are inhabited by Russian citizens and the facts on the ground indicate that they are Russian lands. We are convinced of this position,” the Syrian president added.
Bashar al-Assad has arrived in Moscow for the first time since the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine. On March 15, he held three-hour talks with Vladimir Putin. The Syrian leader expressed his support for the Russian military operation and also thanked the Russian ministries for their help in eliminating the consequences of the earthquakes in Syria. Assad said Russian involvement helped reduce damage and casualties in the country.
In July 2022, Syria severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine after Kiev severed diplomatic relations with Damascus after the Syrian authorities recognized the independence of the DPR and the LPR. The Syrian Foreign Ministry explained that the Ukrainian government has effectively severed ties with Damascus since 2018, when it refused to renew the residence permits of Syrian diplomats working at the Syrian Embassy in Ukraine, which prevented from performing their duties.
Besides Syria, the independence of the DPR and the LPR has been recognized by North Korea, as well as the partially recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
From September 23 to 27, 2022, in the territories of the Moscow-controlled DPR, LPR, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, referendums were held on joining Russia. After processing 100% of the ballots, it was announced that the majority of voters had voted to join Russia. On September 30, President Vladimir Putin signed agreements with the heads of four Kremlin regions. On October 19, the President of Russia announced the introduction of martial law in the annexed territories, as well as sign decree on the establishment of territorial defense.
