DISINFO: Ukrainian instructors train jihadists in Syria
SUMMARY
Ukrainian instructors are training fighters in Syria to operate kamikaze drones targeting Russian army positions in Idlib and across the country. Young fighters are being prepared for these operations as part of this effort.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aimed at undermining Ukraine by linking its government to terrorism. The claim emerged during Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's (HTS) takeover of major Syrian cities, culminating in the Assad regime's collapse on December 8, 2024. It serves to divert attention and place blame on Ukraine for allegedly playing a significant role in the Assad regime's downfall.
This is not the first time that pro-Kremlin outlets try to link Ukraine with the HTS. There is also limited evidence to support the allegation that Ukraine has a decisive role and links to Syrian terrorist organisations, which was proven to be fake by Ukrainian fact-checkers. HTS has also denied these links.
Assertions linking Ukraine to terrorism in Syria are part of Russia's disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining Ukraine's reputation on the global stage, especially ahead of the incoming Trump-administration in the US in January 2025.
Ukraine actively cooperates with Europol on fighting terrorism, including via Interpol where it acts within the legal framework and jurisdiction of each sovereign member state.
Russia has conducted numerous war crimes in Syria as stated by the UN. It has also tried to cover up for the Al Assad regime's war crimes such as the Douma and the Ghouta chemical attacks. Their interventions have primarily aimed to prop up the dictatorship of Al-Assad's regime.
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