ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated:

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned Israeli air strikes on Syria as violations of the country's sovereignty and international law.

"The new wave of violence in Syria is deeply concerning," the ministry said in a statement.

"The Russian side has repeatedly condemned Israel's arbitrary use of force in Syria. These attacks, which constitute a gross violation of the country's sovereignty and international law, deserve strong condemnation.

"We are convinced that the path to solving this problem lies through dialogue and strengthening national unity."

Russia said that Israeli strikes in Syria  “constitute a gross violation of the country's sovereignty and international law, and deserve strong condemnation.”

Israeli Druze cross the border to check on their family members in Syria, amid the ongoing conflict in the Druze areas in Syria, in Majdal Shams, near the ceasefire line between the Golan Heights and Syria, July 16, 2025.
Israeli Druze cross the border to check on their family members in Syria, amid the ongoing conflict in the Druze areas in Syria, in Majdal Shams, near the ceasefire line between the Golan Heights and Syria, July 16, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)

Russia's history in Syria

Moscow was a heavy supporter of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad before his government fell in late 2024 to HTS-backed forces.

Assad fled to Russia and has remained there under the protection of the Kremlin.

Since interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed Syria’s highest office, Moscow has repeatedly tried to negotiate its airbases in the region.

In early March, Israel reportedly urged the US to allow Russia to remain in the region to counter Turkey's influence in Syria.