Russia alarmed by worsening humanitarian situation in Syria

 Russia is alarmed by the humanitarian situation in Syria, which remains complicated and demonstrates negative trends, Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said.

"In addition to external and domestic political risks, Syria's new leadership faces pressing economic and humanitarian challenges. We are concerned by the fact that, despite political shifts in the country and the efforts by UN agencies, the humanitarian situation not only remains dire but is also showing signs of systemic deterioration," the Russian diplomat told a UN Security Council meeting on Syria. "The economic crisis has worsened and is now protracted in nature, with declining real incomes and food insecurity turning into a persistent factor of instability. All this is compounded by frequent armed incidents and ongoing tensions in a number of provinces, which have a devastating impact and limit Syrians' access to basic goods and services."

In his words, the crisis in Syria "vividly demonstrates how unilateral sanctions, trade restrictions, and other coercive measures undermine economic resilience and place a heavy long-term burden, first and foremost, on the shoulders of the most vulnerable population groups."