Russia unequivocally condemns the recent attack by the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS, banned in Russia) in Syria, Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said during a UN Security Council meeting focused on the situation in Syria.
“We strongly denounce this coordinated assault by HTS terrorists controlling Idlib, which further destabilizes an already tense situation in Syria,” Nebenzya declared. He criticized Western nations for maintaining ties with these militants, driven by opposition to Syria’s legitimate government. “Despite repeated warnings, our Western colleagues have not ceased their engagement with international terrorists entrenched near Aleppo,” he said.
Nebenzya also highlighted the Syrian Army’s efforts, supported by Russia’s Aerospace Forces and other allies, to repel the militants. “Since the operation began, approximately 400 terrorists have been neutralized, and over 600 wounded. The enemy will be defeated, regardless of external support—which undeniably exists. According to available information, the United States and its allies are providing some degree of support to the militants,” he asserted.
Coordination with Astana Format Partners
The Russian envoy emphasized the importance of collaboration within the Astana peace process framework. “We maintain intensive contacts with our partners in Iran and Turkey, expressing shared concerns over the escalating violence in Aleppo and Idlib. Joint efforts are crucial to stabilizing the situation, leveraging the Astana format’s potential,” he explained.
Nebenzya stressed that achieving peace and stability in Syria requires the end of illegal foreign military presence, which violates Syria’s sovereignty, and the cessation of airstrikes on Syrian territory.
The ambassador accused Washington of seeking to maintain de facto control over Syria’s resource-rich northeastern regions, labeling it as an occupation. “The US plays a highly destructive role, exploiting Syria’s oil and agricultural wealth while fostering chaos through sanctions and support for Idlib-based terrorists,” he said.
He further criticized the US for portraying HTS as a moderate opposition force, calling such double standards unacceptable. “International terrorist groups, as designated by the UN Security Council, must be confronted without exception,” Nebenzya insisted. He expressed hope that Washington and its allies would condemn HTS’s actions and support Syria’s legitimate government, as neighboring countries and the Arab League have done.
“History shows that using terrorists for geopolitical gains inevitably backfires on those who support them,” Nebenzya concluded.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS