Zelenskyy is sensibly investing in his relationship with Vucic because, as a leader at war, he needs to do everything possible to ensure his country's success. Know one who truly understands the Western Balkans believes he will succeed but he must try.

The only thing to be feared, ultimately, is the cackling chorus of Western would-be experts who will use Saturday's meeting between the two as further 'evidence' of Belgrade's purported Western-turn. Zelenskyy will realize himself soon enough that there is nothing to it, and act accordingly. This Western appeaser cohort, however, will allow no evidence whatsoever to dissuade them of their (often very profitable) romance with Vucic.

Damascus has appointed Brig. Gen. Ömer Muhammed Çiftçi (also known as Muhtar al-Turki or Omar Jafateshi), a Turkish citizen, as commander of the Syrian Army’s 62nd Division, according to military and Syrian sources. He replaces Muhammad al-Jassem (Abu Amsha), who has been reassigned as deputy commander of the Central Region Corps.

The move is part of a broader military restructuring. The 62nd Division, based in Hama Governorate and largely drawn from former Syrian National Army elements, has not been the subject of an official public statement from Syrian authorities on the change.

I arrived in Serbia with my team. Important talks are scheduled for today and tomorrow – with President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Đuro Macut. We will discuss expanding economic ties between our countries, relations with the European Union, other areas that can benefit our nations, and security issues. Ukraine is always ready to work constructively, for mutual benefit, and on the basis of mutual respect.

We will open a drone factory here in September, but with the Israelis. We are doing this with the Israelis.

The Ukrainians are very successful and have many of their own drone factories in this field, so we will invite you here for the opening.

I think it will be sometime around September 15–20.