Russia's Lavrov: Syrian Authorities Facing Challenges, National Dialogue Progressing Slowly

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks at the 14th Middle East Conference on the sidelines of Valdai International Discussion Club. (Sputnik)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks at the 14th Middle East Conference on the sidelines of Valdai International Discussion Club. (Sputnik)
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Russia's Lavrov: Syrian Authorities Facing Challenges, National Dialogue Progressing Slowly

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks at the 14th Middle East Conference on the sidelines of Valdai International Discussion Club. (Sputnik)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks at the 14th Middle East Conference on the sidelines of Valdai International Discussion Club. (Sputnik)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indirectly criticized Syria’s new authorities, stating that they have failed to initiate meaningful internal dialogue among various factions.

He also warned against Western efforts to sideline Russia, China and Iran, stressing that coordinated international efforts are essential to advancing Syria’s national reconciliation.

Speaking at the 14th Middle East Conference on the sidelines of Valdai International Discussion Club, Lavrov’s remarks carried unprecedented undertones, particularly given Russia’s recent emphasis on strengthening Syrian-Russian dialogue and holding new rounds of negotiations to shape future relations.

His assessment of the situation in Syria was striking, especially as he avoided referring to Ahmed Al-Sharaa as “president”, instead saying “the authorities represented by Sharaa.”

Lavrov noted that these authorities are facing significant challenges, adding that dialogue and mutual understanding within the country have not progressed well.

When asked about his evaluation of the current situation in Syria, Lavrov responded: “We can certainly discuss this in more detail later, but there are serious problems, including with the authorities currently represented by Ahmed Al-Sharaa. The groups that were part of this structure have not engaged in successful dialogue or understanding following the change in power.”

He emphasized the need for a pragmatic and constructive approach, urging all stakeholders to focus on the future of the Syrian people rather than pursuing geopolitical gains. A unified effort by all external players is necessary to advance the national dialogue.

Lavrov also warned of Western attempts to marginalize Russia, China and Iran in Syria, pushing them into secondary roles in the settlement process.

“Efforts to exclude Russia, China, and Iran from external support for Syria’s resolution are not driven by goodwill, but rather expose Western plans to weaken their geopolitical rivals,” he stated.

His comments came just a day after the Kremlin reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue with Syria’s new authorities, confirming that upcoming rounds of talks would address all outstanding issues, including Russia’s military presence at the Hmeimim Air Base and Tartus Naval Base.

Russia’s intervention in the civil war in Syria and its support to ousted President Bashar al-Assad's regime against opposition factions tipped the conflict in his favor.

It granted Assad and his family asylum after Sharaa’s opposition fighters took control of Damascus following a lightning and largely unopposed advance in December.

Last week, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, who also serves as Presidential Envoy to the Middle East and North Africa, led a high-level delegation to Syria, including officials from Russia’s Defense and Foreign Ministries, as well as representatives from its economic sector.

The meetings resulted in agreements to continue discussions between Damascus and Moscow. Russian sources viewed the visit as a breakthrough in easing tensions between the two sides and establishing priorities for future negotiations.



UN Seeks $6 Billion to Ease Hunger Catastrophe in Sudan

Displaced Sudanese, who fled the Zamzam camp, gather near the town of Tawila in North Darfur on February 14, 2025. (AFP)
Displaced Sudanese, who fled the Zamzam camp, gather near the town of Tawila in North Darfur on February 14, 2025. (AFP)
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UN Seeks $6 Billion to Ease Hunger Catastrophe in Sudan

Displaced Sudanese, who fled the Zamzam camp, gather near the town of Tawila in North Darfur on February 14, 2025. (AFP)
Displaced Sudanese, who fled the Zamzam camp, gather near the town of Tawila in North Darfur on February 14, 2025. (AFP)

UN officials on Monday asked for $6 billion for Sudan this year from donors to help ease what they called the world's worst ever hunger catastrophe and the mass displacement of people brought on by civil war.

The UN appeal represents a rise of more than 40% from last year's for Sudan at a time when aid budgets around the world are under strain, partly due to a pause in funding announced by US President Donald Trump last month that has affected life-saving programs across the globe.

The UN says the funds are necessary because the impact of the 22-month war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - that has already displaced a fifth of its population and stoked severe hunger among around half its population - looks set to worsen.

World Food Program chief Cindy McCain, speaking via video to a room full of diplomats in Geneva, said: "Sudan is now the epicenter of the world's largest and most severe hunger crisis ever."

She did not provide figures, but Sudan's total population currently stands at about 48 million people. Among previous world famines, the Bengal Famine of 1943 claimed between 2 million and 3 million lives, according to several estimates, while millions are believed to have died in the Great Chinese Famine of 1959-61.

Famine conditions have been reported in at least five locations in Sudan, including displacement camps in Darfur, a UN statement said, and this was set to worsen with continued fighting and the collapse of basic services.

"This is a humanitarian crisis that is truly unprecedented in its scale and its gravity and it demands a response unprecedented in scale and intent," UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said.

One of the famine-stricken camps was attacked by the RSF last week as the group tries to tighten its grip on its Darfur stronghold.

While some aid agencies say they have received waivers from Washington to provide aid in Sudan, uncertainty remains on the extent of coverage for providing famine relief.

The UN plan aims to reach nearly 21 million people within the country, making it the most ambitious humanitarian response so far for 2025, and requires $4.2 billion - the rest being for those displaced by the conflict.