Syria, under its new leadership post-Bashar al-Assad, is working to establish a strategic partnership with Ukraine following years of diplomatic silence. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Schaibani and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha discussed political and economic collaboration, with Syria seeking to reverse its previous recognition of Russian-backed separatist regions. As both nations share experiences of suffering under Russian aggression, they hope for mutual support and respect for international law moving forward. Meanwhile, Russia distances itself from Assad, attributing his fall to his failure to address social issues.