On December 21, 2024, on the instructions of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi, as a result of a successful operation by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, 34 people were evacuated from Syria via Lebanon, 31 citizens of Ukraine and three citizens of Syria, relatives of Ukrainian citizens with the legal right to enter the territory of our country.

There are 15 children in the group.

We want to thank the Lebanese side, in particular Dr. Naji Hammoud, General Manager of Sports and Youth Institutions in Lebanon, for their assistance in carrying out the mission and Sky Up Airlines for their continued support.

We also thank the authorities of the Republic of Moldova for their assistance in conducting the evacuation mission.

The evacuated citizens landed at the Chisinau airport, where they will continue their trip to Ukraine.

“I am grateful to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Embassy of Ukraine in Lebanon for the opportunity to return to Ukraine and see my family for the first time in 10 years,” said the evacuated Ukrainian citizen.

“The important operation of rescuing Ukrainians from Syria proves that Ukraine helps its citizens everywhere and always. Military intelligence officers and their colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are doing everything possible to protect our people's rights and help everyone in trouble,” emphasized the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov.

Starting in August 2024, on the instructions of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs carried out four stages of evacuation from Lebanon. They rescued 302 people —217 Ukrainians and 85 citizens of other states.

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue to provide all necessary assistance to Ukrainian citizens in the Middle East.

You can take advantage of the state's assistance by calling the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Lebanon at (+961) 5921668 or by e-mail at [email protected].

The round-the-clock hotline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is also available at +38-044-238-16-57.

Ukraine always tries to help its citizens in difficult times worldwide.

Glory to Ukraine!