As Russia clings to its only bases in the Mediterranean — they’re on the coast of Syria — Ukraine is moving aggressively to displace Moscow as Syria’s main source of imported grain. Soon to follow are university educations, military drone technologies, and aid on investigating war crimes.

The visit comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a large shipment of wheat flour to war-torn Syria, as the two countries seek to reset relations following years of tensions over former President Bashar al-Assad's alliance with Russia.

Ukraine is pledging support for the new authorities in Syria, which was once a key Russian ally in the Mideast.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Syria's de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, during a high-profile visit to Damascus.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga urged Syria’s newly installed leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to expel Russian forces from the country during a surprise visit to Damascus on Monday. Moscow, a key backer of ousted president Bashar al-Assad,