Syria
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) member flashes the V for victory sign during a demonstration by Syrian Kurds in the city of Hasaka in northeastern Syria, on February 1, 2026. AFP file photo
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United Kingdom, Switzerland and Russia have described the recent ceasefire and political integration agreement between Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a significant step toward stabilizing northeast Syria, while cautioning that the process remains fragile and dependent on sustained political will.
The deal, finalized on January 30 between the Syrian transitional government and the SDF, followed several days of intense clashes in parts of northeastern Syria. It outlines a framework for ending hostilities and integrating the region’s autonomous Kurdish-led governance, military and security institutions into the Syrian state structure.
Implementation of the agreement is underway, including steps toward merging military and security structures. However, unresolved disputes remain - particularly over the authority and role of a proposed deputy defense minister representing the SDF, according to SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi.
Under the terms of the deal, Syrian state security forces are expected to gradually deploy to key cities such as Hasaka and Qamishli, while local Kurdish-led internal security units would be incorporated into the Interior Ministry framework. The agreement also builds on a January 16 presidential decree pledging protections for Kurdish cultural and political rights - a sensitive issue after years of tension between Damascus and Kurdish authorities.
Analysts warn that competing interpretations of integration terms, overlapping security mandates, and sensitivities in ethnically mixed areas could complicate implementation.
Ann Snow, the UK’s representative to Syria, told Rudaw that London views the ceasefire arrangements as “a welcome and important step toward de-escalation and long-term stability,” while acknowledging the delicate nature of the situation.
“The situation remains fragile and requires all sides to maintain momentum and avoid actions that could undermine progress,” Snow said.
She added that the UK remains in close dialogue with Kurdish and regional leaders, including officials in the Kurdistan Region, and values their “constructive role” in supporting calm and advancing inclusive political processes that safeguard the rights of all communities.
Britain has consistently called for a negotiated political settlement in Syria in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, emphasizing inclusive governance and minority protections.
In a statement to Rudaw, Switzerland’s foreign ministry welcomed the January 30 agreement as a framework for a lasting ceasefire and inclusive political transition.
“Switzerland welcomes the agreement of 30 January 2026 between the Syrian transitional government and the Syrian Democratic Forces, which provides a framework for a lasting ceasefire and for promoting an inclusive political transition,” the statement said.
It stressed that it considers the implementation of the January 16 presidential decree on Kurdish rights to be of “central importance,” along with full respect for the ceasefire in northeast Syria.
Switzerland said it continues to closely monitor developments, particularly the humanitarian situation, and regularly raises northeast Syria in discussions with relevant stakeholders, including transitional authorities.
Russia also signaled cautious support for the agreement. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, told Rudaw that Moscow is closely monitoring developments in northeastern Syria.
“We are convinced that the path to long-term sustainable stabilization in the Trans-Euphrates region and in Syria as a whole lies through a broad dialogue aimed at strengthening national unity and consensus, while taking into account the interests of all ethno-confessional groups of Syrian society, including, of course, the Kurds,” Zakharova said.
Russia was a principal backer of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, providing decisive military support during the country’s protracted civil war. Moscow’s intervention in 2015 shifted the balance of power in Assad’s favor against a range of opposition factions, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which later emerged as a dominant force in parts of northwest Syria and now plays a leading role in the transitional government.
Zakharova expressed hope that implementation of the ceasefire and reintegration arrangements would proceed “without setbacks” and that contentious issues would be resolved through dialogue.
Niyaz Mustafa from Erbil contributed to this article.
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