During his tour of the Middle East early this month, Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Syria, a country that until recently was a close ally of Russia. The Ukrainian president's visit to the Syrian capital Damascus and his talks with his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa mark the resumption and strengthening of Ukraine's diplomatic efforts in the region.

"We agreed to work together to provide more security and opportunities for development for our societies," Zelenskyy said in a statement. "We discussed the situation in the region and prospects for improving it. We also discussed the circumstances of Russia's war against Ukraine — I am grateful for the support.…