Syria has agreed to significantly reduce its imports of Russian oil as part of ongoing talks with the United States over the removal of the country’s remaining terrorism-related sanctions, according to three sources familiar with the discussions.
The move marks a major shift for Damascus, which has relied heavily on Russian crude since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, even as the country’s new leadership has sought closer ties with Western nations.
The sources said senior Syrian officials told their US counterparts they were prepared to scale back Russian oil purchases during discussions on removing Syria from Washington’s list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST).
Although US officials raised the issue during the talks, the sources stressed that Washington did not make the reduction a formal condition for lifting the designation.
A US State Department official said Washington is encouraging Syria to work with trusted international partners, particularly American companies, as the country begins its recovery and reconstruction. The official also said Syria is expected to comply with existing US sanctions against Russia.
However, another US official maintained there is no direct link between lifting the terrorism designation and Syria’s decision to reduce Russian oil imports.
According to one Syrian source, US officials told Damascus that ending Russian oil purchases would improve the chances of removing the terrorism designation quickly and without unnecessary delays.
In response, Syrian officials reportedly argued that lifting the designation would allow the country to diversify its energy supplies and reduce its dependence on Russian crude.
Despite the easing of most Western sanctions, Syria still has limited options for sourcing crude oil. Reuters data shows Russian oil shipments to Syria have risen by 75 per cent this year to about 60,000 barrels per day, making Moscow the country’s largest crude supplier.
A Syrian source said the country’s dependence on Russian oil is driven by necessity rather than political preference.
“Lift the terrorism designation and we’ll buy oil from somewhere else. We simply don’t have alternatives right now,” the source said.
A Syrian energy official also confirmed that Damascus is already looking for alternative suppliers, adding that a major change in the country’s energy policy is expected.
Energy analyst Navvar Saban said replacing Russian crude will not happen overnight, warning that a sudden cut could lead to fuel shortages or higher import costs unless alternative supplies are secured.
He added that Washington appears to be increasing pressure on Russia’s economic influence in Syria after Moscow’s political standing in the country weakened following the change in government.
The United States is also pushing for Syria to distance itself further from Russia. Congress has directed the Pentagon to examine options for reducing Russia’s military presence in Syria, including its naval facility in Tartous and the Hmeimim airbase.
Syria remains one of only four countries on the US list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, alongside Cuba, Iran and North Korea.
President Donald Trump notified Congress on July 8 of his intention to remove Syria from the list, triggering a mandatory 45-day review period before a final decision can be made.
Since the change of government, Syria’s new Islamist-led administration has pledged to cooperate with international partners on security, joined the US-led coalition against the Islamic State, and stepped up operations against arms smugglers along its borders with Iraq and Lebanon.
