Ukraine war stirs fears Russia could weaponize Syria aid
As Russia wages war in Ukraine, concerns are mounting that Moscow will use its UN Security Council veto powers to dismantle what remains of cross-border aid operations into Syria.
The war in Ukraine could have devastating humanitarian consequences for Syria, where relief workers fear a vengeful Russia could make good on threats to eliminate the country’s last remaining aid lifeline.
The United Nations Security Council has until July to reauthorize a cross-border mechanism that provides desperately needed food, medicine and other basic goods to millions of Syrian civilians each month. The UN resolution permits humanitarian assistance to be routed through neighboring countries rather than Damascus, which has a long history of blocking “cross-line” aid destined for areas under rebel control.
Moscow — the Syrian government's main international backer — says the complex aid operation undermines Syrian sovereignty, an argument many have pointed out rings especially hollow following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Along with China, Russia has used its veto threat in the 15-member council to weaken the UN’s original aid deal, which in 2014 set up four border crossings — two in Turkey, one in Jordan and one in Iraq.
