Syria relies on Russia's oil despite pivot to the West
Syria has significantly increased its oil imports from Russia, receiving about 60,000 barrels per day in 2025, a 75% rise from previous levels. Despite efforts to pivot toward Western engagement following the fall of Assad in December 2024, Syria remains heavily dependent on Russian energy supplies. A meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in January 2026 underscored ongoing bilateral ties.
- ▪Oil shipments from Russia to Syria increased by 75% in 2025, reaching approximately 60,000 barrels per day.
- ▪Moscow has become Syria's dominant crude supplier after the fall of Assad in December 2024.
- ▪Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on January 28, 2026.
- ▪Syria continues to rely on Russian oil despite attempts to strengthen relations with Western nations.
- ▪The fall of Assad in December 2024 marked a shift in Syria's geopolitical alignment, though energy dependence on Russia persists.
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Syria relies on Russia's oil despite pivot to the WestOil shipments from Russia have jumped 75% to about 60,000 barrels per day this year, making Moscow the country's dominant crude supplier following the fall of Assad in December 2024.Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa shake hands during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow on January 28, 2026.(photo credit: MAXIM SHIPENKOV / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com.