Key facts
- Syria has agreed to drastically reduce imports of Russian oil.
- This reduction is part of discussions with the U.S. on lifting Syria's state sponsor of terrorism designation.
- Syria's reliance on Russian oil has grown, with shipments up 75% this year.
- U.S. officials indicated ending Russian oil purchases would improve chances of lifting the designation.
- Syria stated that removing the designation would allow for a diverse energy supply network.
Damascus has signaled its willingness to significantly decrease its imports of Russian oil as part of ongoing discussions with the United States concerning the potential removal of Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. This potential shift represents a major change in Syria's energy policy, which has become heavily dependent on Russian crude.
Senior Syrian officials have reportedly communicated this readiness to U.S. counterparts during talks about rescinding the decades-old designation. While a U.S. official stated there is no explicit link between the designation removal and reduced Russian oil imports, another source briefed on the matter indicated that ending purchases of Russian oil would "improve the chances of lifting the SST designation quickly and without complications."
Syria's reliance on Russian oil has grown, with imports jumping 75% to approximately 60,000 barrels per day this year. Syrian officials have indicated that they import Russian oil out of necessity and would seek alternative suppliers if the U.S. designation is lifted, allowing for a more diverse energy supply network. However, analysts note that replacing these volumes could be challenging without risking shortages or higher costs.
The U.S. has been increasingly focused on reducing Russia's economic influence in Syria. The State Department encouraged Syria to engage with trusted corporate partners, particularly U.S. firms, during its recovery and reconstruction. Meanwhile, Congress has directed the Pentagon to explore options for diminishing Russia's presence in the country.
Syria is one of only four countries on Washington's state sponsor of terrorism list. President Donald Trump informed Congress of his intent to remove Syria from the list, initiating a 45-day notification period. The country's new government has pledged not to threaten regional security, joined the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State, and has worked to curb weapons smuggling.