Syria has signaled its willingness to significantly reduce imports of Russian oil amid ongoing discussions with the United States concerning the potential removal of Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks.

This development marks a substantial shift in Syria’s energy policy, as the country has grown increasingly dependent on Russian oil supplies despite earlier efforts to pivot politically toward the West. The intended cutback raises questions about how Syria plans to compensate for the decrease in Russian oil amid existing economic challenges and sanctions.

In recent months, senior Syrian officials have indicated to U.S. representatives their readiness to scale back Russian oil imports as part of negotiations aimed at securing relief from the decades-old sanctions designation. While the U.S. did not explicitly present the reduction as a formal condition for lifting the sanctions, the demand has emerged as a key expectation in the dialogue.

"Replacing volumes of Russian crude cannot happen overnight without risking fuel shortages or higher import costs for Syria," said Navvar Saban, a Syrian analyst at the Arab Center for Contemporary Studies. Saban added that any long-term impact would depend on whether Washington offers alternative energy sources or financial support to ease the transition. He also noted that the U.S. is increasing pressure on "the economic network that allows Russia to preserve influence after losing political ground in Syria."

A U.S. State Department official stated that Washington is encouraging Syria to engage with "trusted corporate partners—especially U.S. firms—during the country’s recovery and reconstruction process," while emphasizing that Syria is expected to comply with existing U.S. sanctions on Russia.

According to sources briefed on the discussions, the U.S. sought and obtained a commitment from Syria to drastically reduce Russian oil purchases. One Syrian insider reported that American officials indicated that ending these imports would enhance the prospects of removing Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list more swiftly and with fewer complications. In response, Syrian counterparts suggested that eliminating the designation would enable them to develop a more diverse energy supply network.

The talks highlight a complex interplay of geopolitical considerations, economic realities, and diplomatic negotiations as both countries weigh the implications of a potential policy shift in the region’s energy dynamics and sanctions regime.