Ukraine sent special forces to Syria to attack Russians there, revealing a new front to the war

Ukraine deploys special forces to Syria targeting Russian troops, unveiling a new front in the ongoing conflict

Ukrainian Special Forces Deployed to Syria, Allegedly Battling Russian Presence

 

Kyiv, Ukraine — In a surprising development, Ukraine has reportedly dispatched special forces units to Syria to combat Russian forces operating in the war-torn country, as revealed by the Kyiv Post. Ukrainian troops are said to be fighting alongside Syrian rebels against Russian mercenaries and the Assad regime, marking a significant escalation of Ukraine's involvement in the Middle East.

 

The Kyiv Post obtained a video from sources within the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence, dated March 2024, showcasing Ukrainian special forces engaging Russian checkpoints, strongholds, foot patrols, and convoys of military equipment in southwest Syria. The footage depicts Ukrainian soldiers employing rocket-propelled grenades, improvised "Tarab" mortars, and potentially command wire or radio-controlled improvised explosive devices in these attacks.

 

An unnamed Ukrainian intelligence source disclosed to the Kyiv Post that Ukrainian troops have supported Syrian rebels in launching multiple strikes on Russian military facilities since the beginning of the year. However, the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence has yet to comment on these reports.

 

Russia's involvement in Syria dates back to 2015, when it intervened militarily at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad to counter opposition forces and the Islamic State. The conflict has since escalated, with Russian aerial bombings reportedly causing significant civilian casualties, including children, as well as targeting opposition fighters and ISIS militants.

 

While Ukraine's military presence in Syria is a recent revelation, Ukrainian special forces have previously been observed in international conflicts. In an undisclosed video shared by the Kyiv Post in February, Ukrainian special forces were reportedly seen interrogating captured Wagner mercenaries in Sudan. Analysts speculate that such operations may be part of a broader strategy involving tacit agreements between Western allies and Ukraine to confront Russian mercenaries globally, possibly in exchange for military support for Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia.

 

The deployment of Ukrainian special forces to Syria raises questions about Ukraine's strategic priorities and capabilities amidst ongoing tensions with Russia. Alexander Libman, a professor of Russian and East European Politics, expressed surprise at Ukraine's involvement in Syria, citing significant manpower challenges within Ukraine itself.

 

While the exact motivations and implications of Ukraine's presence in Syria remain unclear, this development underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, with potential ramifications for the ongoing conflicts in both Ukraine and Syria.