Russia Calls for Immediate Lifting of Sanctions on Syria
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Russia has called for the immediate removal of all unilateral sanctions imposed on Syria, emphasizing that they hinder reconstruction efforts and humanitarian aid.
On Tuesday, Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, reiterated Moscow’s stance, stating, “Our position on unilateral sanctions is well known and consistent. We have always opposed and continue to oppose the use of these illegal mechanisms.”
He further argued that these sanctions serve as a tool for political pressure by Western nations against sovereign governments and, in reality, act as a form of collective punishment against the Syrian people.
Russia’s Position on Sanctions
Bogdanov asserted that the economic restrictions imposed on Syria lack any legal basis under international law. “These sanctions were not approved through the relevant UN Security Council resolution, as required by international legal norms,” he said.
The Russian diplomat also confirmed that Moscow will continue to provide assistance to Syrians, highlighting that the lifting of sanctions is essential to stabilizing the country and enabling economic recovery.
Calls for Lifting Sanctions Grow
Moscow’s call aligns with growing international debate over the impact of sanctions on Syria. In a January 2025 briefing to the UN Security Council, UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen acknowledged recent adjustments to U.S. sanctions, which granted exemptions for humanitarian aid and some energy-related transactions. However, he noted that “significant additional work” is necessary to address broader economic challenges.
Meanwhile, Syria’s newly appointed President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has echoed these demands, insisting that “there is no justification for continued sanctions after the fall of the previous regime.” In a recent interview, he emphasized that economic development is key to long-term stability, adding, “Without economic recovery, Syria will remain vulnerable to chaos and insecurity.”
Western Stance and Regional Implications
Despite mounting pressure to ease restrictions, Western nations remain cautious, arguing that lifting sanctions could inadvertently benefit armed groups or individuals accused of human rights violations. The European Union and the United States maintain that sanctions are targeted and designed to pressure specific individuals and entities rather than the broader Syrian population.
However, humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that economic restrictions have exacerbated suffering by limiting access to essential goods, medical supplies, and reconstruction materials.
Russia, along with China and Iran, continues to advocate for a complete removal of sanctions, arguing that they are a major obstacle to Syria’s post-war recovery.
As diplomatic discussions continue, millions of Syrians remain affected by economic hardship, with high inflation, unemployment, and deteriorating public services complicating daily life. The debate over sanctions is likely to persist as the international community weighs geopolitical concerns against the urgent need for humanitarian relief and economic stabilization in Syria.