IDLIB, Syria — Russia is portraying itself as a protector of the human heritage in Syria by restoring archaeological sites across the war-torn country. On July 26, the head of the National Defense Management Center of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Mikhail Mizintsev, announced that the Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums in Syria began working to preserve cultural heritage sites in Syria.

Mizintsev's statement came on the sidelines of a meeting he chaired with Syrian government representatives at a conference on the return of Syrian refugees and displaced persons, held on July 26. 

“Thanks to the efforts made by the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute for History of Material Culture, and representatives of the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums in Syria, decisive work began in studying and preserving Syrian cultural heritage sites and world heritage landmarks such as Palmyra,” Mizintsev added.

He pointed out that some other joint activities are being implemented in the field of humanitarian projects to support and develop talented children, and special programs are being organized in Russia for Syrian orphans in the fields of education, entertainment and health improvement.