Syria

Donald Trump urged Zelenskyy to think about a ceasefire and abandoning the occupied territories. The elected President of the United States stated that it is inexpedient to return the destroyed cities.

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine have successfully evacuated 31 Ukrainians and 3 Syrian citizens from Syria via Lebanon. The evacuees, including 15 children, have already landed in Chisinau and are on their way to Ukraine.

The United States canceled the reward for the arrest of HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa after the first official meeting in Damascus. Syria's new leader promised to fight terrorism and promote regional peace.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is working in detail on a proposal to support Syria's food security. The specific details of the assistance to the Syrian people will be announced soon.

The American delegation arrived in Damascus to meet with various Syrian groups after the fall of the Assad regime. Diplomats plan to discuss the principles of the transition period and the fate of missing Americans.

The US National Security Advisor warns of a possible revival of ISIS due to the power vacuum in Syria after Assad's flight. Terrorists have become more active and may take advantage of instability in the region.

Satellite images show increased activity at the Russian bases of Khmeimim and Tartus in Syria. A massive movement of military equipment and transport aircraft has been recorded, which may indicate a reduction in the Russian contingent.

The President of Ukraine denied information about the support of Syrian rebels by drones and operators. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is preparing only humanitarian aid to Syria in the form of food.

Britain, France, and Germany accused Iran of building up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to unprecedented levels. The IAEA confirms that Iran is the only country that possesses uranium with a purity of 60%.

Israel's Prime Minister announced the maintenance of a buffer zone in Syria until a new agreement is reached. The statement was made from Mount Hermon amid the escalation of the conflict and the build-up of military presence in the region.

France restored its flag at the embassy in Damascus after a 12-year break. European countries begin to establish diplomatic contacts with the new Syrian government.

Syria's transitional government secretary, Obaida Arnaout, called on Russia to reconsider its military presence in the country after the overthrow of the Assad regime. The new government is negotiating with other countries and seeking to establish international relations.

U. S. officials report a buildup of Turkish troops and artillery along the border with Syria near the city of Kobani. The situation is reminiscent of the events of 2019 before the previous Turkish invasion.

A mass grave with the bodies of at least 100,000 people killed during the rule of Bashar al-Assad has been found in Syria. According to human rights activist Muaz Mustafa, this is one of five mass graves discovered near Damascus.

The European Union intends to raise the issue of closing Russian bases in Syria during meetings with rebel forces. This was stated by EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas after a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.

The NYT explains Putin's silence on Russia's military presence in Syria and the possible fall of the Assad regime. Russia is fully focused on the war in Ukraine, believing it is winning on the battlefield.

Bashar al-Assad said that he remained in Damascus until the evening of December 8 and had no plans to flee the country. Reuters and Bloomberg claim that the escape was organized by Russian intelligence without warning his family.

The IDF launched a massive air strike on military targets in the Syrian province of Tartus, destroying missile depots. The explosions were so powerful that they caused a magnitude 3 earthquake.

In 2018-2019, the Assad regime made 21 flights with cash to Moscow's Vnukovo airport. The funds were intended for deposits in sanctioned Russian banks and payment for services of the Russian Federation.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has a phone conversation with Donald Trump about the release of hostages in Gaza and the events in Syria. Trump threatens “hell” in the Middle East if the hostages are not released before his inauguration.

The Israeli Air Force carried out large-scale strikes on military targets in Syria's Tartus and Latakia. Air defense bases, surface-to-surface missile depots, and other military facilities near the Russian naval base were attacked.

Four French diplomats will travel to Syria on December 17 to establish their first contacts with the new government. The mission aims to restore French influence and assess the humanitarian needs of the population.

Syrian Christians held their first Sunday services after the overthrow of the Assad regime. The new Islamist government has promised to protect the rights of religious minorities, although Christians remain concerned.

Israel is investing 40 million shekels to increase the population in the occupied Golan Heights due to threats from Syria. The plan was announced after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad and the coming to power of a new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa.

British Foreign Secretary confirms diplomatic contacts with the HTS rebel group in Syria. Britain will allocate 50 million pounds of aid to Syrians and seeks to protect chemical weapons stockpiles.

The Army+ app now allows transferring National Guard soldiers between units. It is planned to add the function of transfers between the Armed Forces and the National Guard, as well as to connect border guards.

The President of Ukraine discussed with government officials the program “Grain from Ukraine” on food aid to Syria. It is planned to provide wheat, flour and oil to ensure food security in the region.

Former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad secretly fled to Moscow after the rebels overthrew the regime. He took out about $135 billion and left a collection of luxury cars in Damascus.

Peter Pellegrini expressed concern about the possible entry of weapons and various groups of people into Slovakia after the war ends. The President is also considering a visit to Kyiv.

EU representatives are planning to contact Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to discuss the closure of Russian military bases in Syria. The United States is already engaged in a dialog with the new government after the overthrow of the Assad regime.