Ukraine downplays role in Syrian rebel offensive in Aleppo

In the ongoing conflict in Syria, Syrian rebels have made significant advances, including the capture of Aleppo, leading to speculation about potential international backing. Recent claims from Russian officials have accused Ukraine of providing support, including first-person view (FPV) drones and training to rebel factions like Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which orchestrated the recent offensive against the Syrian government allied with Russia. However, reports from various sources suggest that HTS operates largely independently. A Turkish insider remarked that there is a robust black market supplying drones, making any reliance on Ukrainian support questionable. The Falcon Brigade, a local group, has been developing and utilizing drones for over a decade and has access to components from various international sources, including China. Additionally, a Ukrainian official confirmed some engagement between Kyiv and Syrian rebels over the past year, but maintained that such interactions were minimal and did not significantly contribute to the unfolding events. This sentiment was echoed by a pro-Kremlin Telegram account linked to the Russian defense ministry which noted that although Ukrainian intelligence had made visits, the extent of training was not sufficient to drastically influence the conflict. The concept that Ukrainian support played a key role appears exaggerated, paralleling previous instances where reports of foreign backing were amplified without substantial evidence. The dynamics in Syria remain complex, with local and regional players exerting varying levels of influence separate from any rumored external assistance.