Syria
In 2024, Russian oil supplies to Syria increased by 75%, replacing Iranian exports. Damascus is seeking new partners due to the risk of Western sanctions.
A corvette, a tanker, and Su-35 fighter jets remain at the bases in Tartus and Khmeimim. Moscow is attempting to maintain influence through new agreements with Damascus.
Andriy Sybiha and Hakan Fidan discussed cooperation in the defense sector, energy, and logistics. The parties are preparing a meeting of presidents to bring peace closer.
The last convoy of American equipment left the base as part of the contingent reduction. The facility came under the control of the Syrian army in accordance with agreements.
The President of Ukraine accepted the prestigious Four Freedoms Awards for his courage in the struggle. He called on the world to create a tribunal and punish Russia.
Rustem Umerov reported on the requests of Gulf countries and others for Ukrainian expertise, including in air defense and maritime security. Deeper security agreements with partners in Europe are also being prepared.
A two-week ceasefire helped airline stocks rise, but fuel shortages will last for months. The cost of flights will remain high.
Brent crude rose to $110. 34 after US threats to destroy Tehran over the strait blockade. Iran rejected a ceasefire and continues the blockade.
Zelenskyy announced the strengthening of energy and logistics cooperation with Turkey. Ukraine is expanding defense and economic ties with Middle Eastern countries.
The president's visit, supported by Turkey, focuses on grain exports and energy. Ukraine receives recognition of territorial integrity from Damascus.
Attacks on Beirut and southern Lebanon killed 11 people, including a 4-year-old child. More than a million residents of the country have become internally displaced.
Andriy Sybiha discussed with the Syrian Foreign Minister the opening of diplomatic missions and the development of logistics. The parties plan to expand trade and sea routes.
Zelenskyy held talks with the leaders of Syria and Turkey on defense and energy. The parties discussed overcoming the consequences of the war and stability.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed the exchange of military experience and food security. The parties will work on energy challenges.
The French president proposes a coalition of middle powers to protect against hegemony. He emphasizes the importance of independence in defense and energy.
Due to the threat of Iranian control, countries in the region are considering expanding their pipeline network. The projects are estimated to cost billions of dollars as a security measure.
Attacks on the ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga reduced Russian oil supplies to 2. 32 million barrels. Moscow's export revenues fell by more than $1 billion.
Israel is forming pacts with countries in the region and destroying Iran's industrial potential. According to Netanyahu, Hezbollah is no longer a strategic threat thanks to the actions of the IDF.
The Coordination Headquarters identified 27,407 foreign mercenaries in the ranks of the Russian army. Hundreds of citizens of Arab countries are in Ukrainian captivity.
The Israeli Air Force destroyed IRGC Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri and intelligence chief Behnam Rezaei. Tangsiri was responsible for attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Kremlin organizes flows of illegal immigrants through Belarus to destabilize the EU and introduce agents. The goal is to distract the West from helping Ukraine.
The Prosecutor General's Office has sent an indictment against Saldo to court for exporting grain to Syria and Egypt. The occupiers appropriated agricultural products worth over UAH 5.3 billion.
To register a marriage with a foreigner at the Civil Registry Office, you need a passport, proof of legal stay, and legalized documents. Remarriage is only possible after the official dissolution of a previous marriage.
Missile and drone attacks continue in the Middle East. Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Israel, Iran, and Lebanon report explosions and interceptions.
Iran has significantly expanded the scale of military strikes in the region, using missiles and drones against a number of states. The attacks affected 11 countries, including Israel, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.
Iran's military leadership denies launching missiles towards Turkey. This happened after NATO air defense intercepted a missile flying from Iran.
Qatar's state energy company, QatarEnergy, has declared force majeure on liquefied natural gas supplies. This happened after Iranian attacks on the company's facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed.
Analysts claim that Putin can only offer verbal support to Iran after Ali Khamenei's death. Russia will not provide military assistance to Tehran, as the partnership agreement does not provide for mutual defense.
The US State Department has urged Americans to leave Middle Eastern countries immediately due to serious security risks. The list includes Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the war in Iran demonstrates Russia's weakness as an ally and is a signal to Putin about the consequences of dictatorship. According to Zelenskyy, Russia's main forces are concentrated on the war against Ukraine.