Ukraine Supplies Drones to Syrian Rebels

Ukrainian intelligence operatives provided Syrian rebels, specifically Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), with approximately 150 drones and 20 drone operators last month, aiding their successful offensive against President Bashar al-Assad. This support, aimed at undermining Russian influence in Syria, aligns with Ukraine's broader strategy to challenge Russia on multiple fronts. Although the Ukrainian aid played a modest role in Assad's overthrow, it highlights the increasing complexity of proxy conflicts stemming from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Russia, a key ally of Assad, has expressed concerns over its strategic interests in Syria following the regime's collapse, which could jeopardize Russian military facilities in the region. The situation is being closely monitored as HTS establishes an interim administration amidst ongoing instability. Ukrainian actions in Syria reflect a growing trend of covert military assistance to rebels fighting Russian proxies globally.