Ukrainian breakaway region sends delegation to Syria
Syria, which has a history of supporting pro-Russia breakaway regions, recognized Donetsk and Luhansk earlier this year.
Donetsk Foreign Minister Nataliya Nikonorova, was in Syria yesterday with a delegation of agriculture and culture officials. Nikonorova met Syrian Foreign Minister Fayssal Mikdad, who expressed support for Donetsk’s “self-determination,” the official SANA news outlet reported.
The Donetsk People’s Republic seceded from Ukraine in 2014 along with Luhansk. Russia recognized both former provinces of eastern Ukraine as independent republics earlier this year when it invaded Ukraine.
Syria recognized Donetsk as well as Luhansk in June. Ukraine severed relations with Syria in response.
In July, Nikonorova expressed a desire to increase maritime trade with Syria, specifically in the areas of minerals, industry, machinery-building and agriculture, according to SANA.
