In this new episode of the Geopolitical Report Podcast, we examine recent information suggesting a possible meeting between a Ukrainian delegation and representatives of the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
Recent reports from Turkish, Kurdish, and Russian sources suggested a clandestine meeting between Ukrainian representatives and members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group designated as a terrorist organisation. The discussions allegedly centred on a trade of drones in exchange for the release of Chechen and Georgian fighters held by HTS. This development comes amidst broader efforts by HTS to purge foreign fighters from its ranks in northern Syria, highlighting the potential utility of these detainees for Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russian forces.
The credibility of these reports, however, remains uncertain due to the politically charged nature of the sources, particularly the Russian media, which has historically utilised such narratives to discredit Ukraine’s military efforts. Indeed, different Ukrainian portals have described this information as Russian propaganda and a fake news to discredit Kyiv.
The involvement of HTS in any transaction with Ukraine raises serious questions about the extent to which Kyiv is willing to engage with extremist organisations. While the alleged deal may provide Ukraine with seasoned fighters to bolster its military capabilities, the long-term consequences of such arrangements are unpredictable.
HTS, having shifted its focus in recent years, may see this deal as an opportunity to maintain relevance and secure resources, particularly as its territorial influence in Syria diminishes. For Ukraine, the release of fighters with combat experience in Chechnya and Georgia could strengthen its fight against Russia, but it also carries significant reputational risks, especially if Western allies view these actions unfavourably.
The potential cooperation between Ukraine and terrorist groups operating in Syria can be traced back to January 2023, when both Western and Russian sources reported a meeting in Kyiv between Rustam Azhiev, also known by his nom de guerre Abdul Hakim al-Shishani, leader of the terrorist group Ajnad al-Kavkaz, and Akhmed Zakayev, the former prime minister of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, who currently resides in exile in the United Kingdom. In the following months, additional reports surfaced, indicating that a group of fighters from Ajnad al-Kavkaz, led by al-Shishani, were actively fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against Russian troops in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
We can link this information with another significant development that has drawn attention this summer regarding Ukraine’s alleged support for Tuareg rebels in Mali, reportedly fighting against the Malian army and its Wagner Group allies. These reports, which surfaced after the battle of Tinzaouaten, indicate Ukraine’s potential involvement in conflicts far beyond its immediate borders.
If true (although Ukrainian sources labelled this information as part of Kremlin propaganda), this move suggests that Ukraine may be seeking to stretch Russian military resources by supporting insurgent groups in Africa and the Middle East, where Moscow has expanded its influence through mercenary forces. This approach could strategically divert Russian attention, but it also risks entangling Ukraine in complex regional conflicts that might destabilise its broader international relationships.
Ukraine’s collaboration with foreign militant groups, both in Syria and Mali, highlights a broader pattern of unconventional warfare. By leveraging irregular forces, Kyiv may be attempting to shift the balance of power in its favour. However, these moves could backfire if such alliances are perceived as reckless or morally dubious by Ukraine’s Western backers. The United States and the European Union, both of which have consistently provided military and economic support to Ukraine, are likely to scrutinise these reports closely. Any confirmed cooperation with terrorist organisations would challenge the narrative of Ukraine as a state fighting for democratic values against Russian aggression.
The potential implications for Ukraine’s alliances cannot be ignored. If Kyiv is seen to be aligning itself with groups that have historically engaged in terrorism, it could alienate key partners. Indeed, if this information is part of Moscow’s propaganda as underlined by Ukrainian sources, making Kyiv loosing Western support is the Russian utimate goal.
Jihadist propaganda has already exploited the Ukraine conflict to recruit fighters, suggesting that any confirmed links between Ukraine and extremist organisations could fuel this narrative. Western nations, especially those already grappling with domestic terrorism threats, may be unwilling to continue providing unqualified support if such associations are proven. This would represent a significant diplomatic and military setback for Ukraine at a critical juncture in its war effort.
Ultimately, Ukraine’s reported strategy of collaborating with non-state actors represents a high-stakes gamble. While these partnerships may offer short-term military gains, they could lead to long-term isolation if Kyiv’s supporters in Washington and Brussels conclude that the costs outweigh the benefits.
Furthermore, turning Ukrainian territory into a haven for militant fighters could inadvertently create a new set of security challenges, not only for Ukraine but for the entire region. If these reports prove accurate, Ukraine will need to weigh the potential tactical advantages against the broader geopolitical risks it may be inviting.
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