During President Volodymyr Zelensky's official visit to Syria on April 5, 2026, the Ukrainian side proposed to the Syrian government an agreement on the supply of wheat in exchange for phosphates at a preferential price. This was reported by the pan-Arab publication Asharq Al-Awsat.

According to experts, such an initiative is aimed at squeezing the positions of Russian companies, which currently control about 70% of Syrian phosphate production and export them to European markets. In addition, the agreement can provide Ukraine with new channels for exporting its own grain and strengthen Syria's energy security.

Retired Colonel Imad Shahud noted that one of the priorities of the Ukrainian delegation is to block the sales channels of stolen grain, which the Russian Federation is trying to sell in the region at low prices, in particular in Egypt, a major importer of grain crops.

In addition to agricultural cooperation, the parties paid attention to the development of defense technologies. The modernization of military equipment and the development of unmanned systems were discussed. Head of the research department of the Jusur Center Abdulwahab Assi noted that Ukraine can help Syria in countering Iranian missiles and drones, as well as in repairing complex units.

According to Assi, Ukraine does not position itself as a strategic competitor to Russia, but rather as a technical partner capable of reducing threats from Iranian missile systems and UAVs, as well as providing professional assistance in repairing military equipment.

Analysts emphasize that for Kyiv this visit has not only economic, but also strategic significance. Cooperation with Syria allows Ukraine to strengthen its positions in the Middle East, promoting agricultural products and military technologies, while Damascus is interested in attracting Ukrainian experience to restore its own agricultural production and industrial base.

Thus, Zelensky's visit to Syria combined the economic and defense interests of both countries, creating the prerequisites for long-term cooperation in strategically important areas.