Russia Calls for Kurdish Rights to Be Protected in Syria
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova reaffirmed that while Syrians will determine their own future, the rights of ethnic minorities, particularly the Kurds and Druze, must be safeguarded in the new Syria.
Feb. 7, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Russian Foreign Ministry has emphasized the need to protect the rights of Kurds and Druze in Syria’s future political framework, as the country undergoes a transitional phase following the fall of the Assad regime.
During a press conference, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova reaffirmed that while Syrians will determine their own future, the rights of ethnic minorities, particularly the Kurds and Druze, must be safeguarded in the new Syria.
Zakharova stressed that the new Syrian leadership must ensure the inclusion and protection of all ethnic groups, affirming Moscow's commitment to preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty while addressing ethnic concerns.
Putin Acknowledges Kurdish Issue in Syria
Speaking at an end-of-year press conference in Moscow on Dec. 20, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the importance of resolving the Kurdish issue in Syria, while also acknowledging Turkey’s security concerns in the region.
Putin detailed that the Kurdish issue in Syria "should have been fixed during the tenure of the former Syrian president," and underlined that "it still needs a solution with the parties controlling Syrian territories at the moment."
Read More: Putin urges for resolution of Kurdish issue in Syria
In a separate statement on Dec. 26, 2024, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the United States of attempting to partition Syria by supporting factions seeking greater autonomy and seizing the country’s natural resources.
Read More: Lavrov reaffirms Moscow’s commitment to preserving Syria’s territorial integrity
Voices Support for Kurds in Syria
On Dec. 19, 2024, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for the protection of Kurdish allies in Syria, citing their pivotal role in the fight against ISIS.
"Our Kurdish allies have played a crucial role in fighting ISIS," Barrot told Reuters, adding that an international meeting will be held in January to discuss Syria’s evolving situation, with the participation of Arab, Turkish, and Western allies.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, Russia continues to position itself as a key broker in Syria’s future, balancing relations with both Damascus and regional powers, while advocating for minority rights and territorial integrity.
