Syria has agreed in principle to significantly reduce its imports of Russian oil as part of ongoing discussions with the United States over the possible removal of the country’s remaining major sanctions designation, according to three sources familiar with the talks.
The move would mark a major shift in Syria’s energy policy, as the country has relied heavily on Russian crude despite improving relations with Western governments. Analysts say the decision could also weaken Russia’s economic influence in Syria while increasing pressure on Moscow’s regional interests.
The sources said senior Syrian officials have informed U.S. counterparts in recent months that Damascus is prepared to reduce Russian oil imports as negotiations continue over removing Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. They stressed, however, that Washington has not formally made the reduction a condition for lifting the designation.
A U.S. State Department official said Washington is encouraging Syria to work with trusted international companies, particularly U.S. firms, during its economic recovery and expects Damascus to comply with sanctions imposed on Russia. A White House official said there is no formal link between Syria’s sanctions status and Russian oil imports.
Analysts warned that replacing Russian crude could prove difficult in the short term without causing fuel shortages or higher import costs. They said Syria’s ability to diversify its energy supplies will depend on whether alternative sources become available as sanctions are eased.
The state sponsor of terrorism designation, first imposed on Syria in 1979, remains the last major U.S. sanctions label after President Donald Trump’s administration and Congress lifted broader sanctions following the removal of former president Bashar al-Assad.
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