Syria signals readiness to cut Russian oil imports amid U.S. talks
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian officials have told the United States they are prepared to drastically reduce imports of Russian oil as part of ongoing discussions over lifting Washington’s remaining major sanctions designation on Damascus, three sources familiar with the talks told Reuters on Tuesday.
The move would mark a significant shift in Syria’s energy policy, as the country has become heavily dependent on Russian crude despite its recent political opening toward Western countries.
According to the sources, senior Syrian officials informed their American counterparts in recent months that Damascus was willing to curb Russian oil imports while negotiations continue over removing Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism (SST), a designation imposed in 1979.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said Washington did not explicitly present the reduction in Russian oil imports as a prerequisite for lifting the designation.
However, a Syrian source familiar with the discussions said U.S. officials indicated that ending purchases of Russian oil would improve the chances of removing Syria from the list “quickly and without complications.”
A U.S. official denied any direct connection between the sanctions designation and Syria’s oil imports but said Washington expected Damascus to comply with sanctions imposed on Russia.
According to Reuters, Russian oil shipments to Syria increased by 75 percent this year, reaching approximately 60,000 barrels per day, making Moscow the country’s largest crude supplier.
“Today, Syria relies on Russian oil out of necessity, not preference,” a Syrian source told Reuters, adding that Damascus lacks alternative suppliers while the terrorism designation remains in place.