Syria

The United States lifts some sanctions restrictions to support financial transactions with the new Syrian government. The easing applies to transactions with oil, gas and electricity, but does not apply to transactions with Iran.

Francois Hollande said that Emmanuel Macron should complete his presidential term. The former president also spoke out against the dissolution of the parliament and shared his vision of the future Bayou government.

An armed prisoner with mental disorders has taken 3 to 7 hostages in Arles prison. Among the hostages are medical workers and guards, and law enforcement officers are working at the scene.

Russian warships are heading to the Tartus base to transport equipment and weapons to Libya. Five vessels will be involved in the operation, including the Ivan Gren and Alexander Otrakovsky amphibious assault ships.

Ukraine sent 500 tons of flour to Syria for 167,000 people. The Syrian side is interested in long-term supplies of various products from Ukraine, including oil, sugar, and meat.

Zelenskyy announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with Syria and cooperation in international organizations. Ukraine also plans to double its agricultural exports to Lebanon, which currently stand at $400 million.

Countries around the world have begun celebrating the New Year 2025. In Dubai, a grand fireworks display was held near the Burj Khalifa, in Damascus they are also celebrating, and in Puerto Rico there was a massive power outage.

Bashar al-Assad, who fled to moscow after overthrowing the regime, has been named “Corrupt 2024” by OCCRP. His regime is accused of drug trafficking, smuggling and other crimes worth billions of dollars.

The head of the GRU, Kirill Budanov, commented on the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, hinting at the possible involvement of Ukrainian intelligence. Assad fled to Russia, and Ahmad al-Sharaa became the new leader of Syria.

In 21 days, more than 35,000 Syrians have voluntarily returned home from Turkey. Most are heading to Aleppo, while 805,000 refugee children were born in Turkey.

The Ukrainian flag was solemnly raised over the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine in the Syrian capital. Minister Sibiga met with the Ukrainian community and Honorary Consul Tamer Al-Tunsi.

Ukrainian ministers pay an official visit to Damascus on behalf of President Zelensky. Ukraine will provide Syria with 500 tons of wheat flour, which will provide food for 33,000 Syrian families.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister held talks with the Syrian leadership in Damascus. The head of the National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation explained the importance for Ukraine of building new relations with Syria, pointing out that everyone would benefit from a weakened Russia in the Middle East and Africa.

More than 20 trucks with Ukrainian flour will arrive in Syria as part of the Grain from Ukraine program. The aid will provide food for 33,000 Syrian families for a month.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga visits Damascus and meets with Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa. Ukraine is ready to restore diplomatic relations and expand cooperation with the new Syrian government.

The leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, Ahmed al-Sharaa, met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. The meeting took place on December 30, details of the talks have not yet been disclosed.

A high-ranking Ukrainian delegation will visit Damascus today to meet with Ahmed al-Shara'a. This comes after a recent directive from President Zelenskyy to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish contacts with the new authorities in Syria.

The German Federal Government will provide EUR 60 million for the reconstruction of Syria through non-governmental and international organizations. The funds will be used for education, children's aid and support for internally displaced persons.

In 2024, the number of displaced people in the world increased by 5 million compared to last year. The biggest crisis is in Syria, where 13.8 million people have become refugees inside and outside the country.

The newly appointed head of the Syrian intelligence services, Anas Khattab, announced the complete disbanding of all Assad-era intelligence organizations. It is planned to create a new security system that takes into account the interests of the people.

Russia is creating a legal framework for removing the Taliban and HTS from the list of terrorist organizations. This should facilitate political and economic rapprochement with Afghanistan and secure Russian bases in Syria.

Ukraine will deliver 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria as part of the Grain from Ukraine program and WFP. The aid will reach 33,250 families, with each family receiving 15 kg of flour per month.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry established its first ministerial-level contacts with the new Syrian government after the severance of diplomatic relations. Ukraine also sent 500 tons of flour to Syria as part of the Grain from Ukraine program.

As part of the Grain from Ukraine program, 500 tons of wheat flour were shipped to Syria. The aid will reach 33,250 families, and each family will be able to feed itself for a month with a 15-kilogram package.

The 274-meter-long Panamanian-flagged tanker Cordelia Moon broke down in the Bosphorus. The vessel was traveling from the Turkish port of Yalova to Novorossiysk, which led to a complete cessation of traffic in both directions.

Asma al-Assad, the wife of the former Syrian president, is battling a severe form of leukemia with a 50% chance of survival. She is in isolation in Russia and plans to divorce her husband to receive treatment in London.

The Russian ship Ursa Major, which sank off the coast of Spain, was carrying important equipment for loading Kalibr missiles. Due to the lack of such equipment, Russia was unable to load missiles in Novorossiysk for six months.

In the Tartus area, forces loyal to the ousted Assad regime ambushed the police. 14 police officers were killed and 10 others were injured in the attack.

Asma al-Assad, the wife of the former Syrian dictator, is isolated due to a relapse of leukemia. She has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and is not allowed to contact other people.

Asaad Hassan al-Shibani called on Iran to respect Syria's sovereignty and not to spread chaos. This is a response to Iranian leader Ali Khamenei's statements about Syrian youth.