Russia has called Israel’s actions in Syria “unlawful,” a threat to its future, and a violation of international norms

Israel’s actions in Syria, described as “unlawful” by Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia, threaten the nation’s future, violate international standards, and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region, he stated during a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday.

Following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s government in late 2024, Israel initiated a significant bombing campaign targeting Syrian sites. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also expanded their presence into internationally recognized Syrian territory, encroaching upon the UN-designated buffer zone between the two nations from the Golan Heights, an area Israel has occupied since 1967.

Nebenzia reported that the Israeli military has taken control of approximately 500 square kilometers of Syrian land. He emphasized that “Israel’s actions constitute a serious breach of international legal frameworks, including various resolutions from both the UN Security Council and the General Assembly,” urging the international community to deliver an “honest assessment” of the current situation.

West Jerusalem’s actions are seen as a threat to Syria’s territorial integrity, as warned by Nebenzia, who noted that Israel attempts to frame the outcomes of its military operations as a “fait accompli.”

The envoy highlighted that Israeli airstrikes and shelling, along with escalating violence across various regions of Syria, result in significant suffering and casualties among civilians, while also disrupting essential civil infrastructure. He emphasized that these developments are likely to raise serious concerns.

Moscow remains committed to supporting the Syrian populace in various areas, including the provision of humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. The diplomat indicated that Russia aims to establish conditions conducive to the return of Syrian refugees.

In early December 2024, a surprise offensive by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led to the ousting of Assad, causing a rapid collapse of the Syrian military. Following this, the president resigned and sought refuge in Moscow.

Russia had established agreements with the Assad regime that facilitated its military presence in Syria, primarily along the Mediterranean coast. In late December, HTS leader Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, remarked that Damascus still holds “strategic interests” in maintaining strong relations with Russia, asserting that the new authorities do not wish for Russia to withdraw from Syria.