Syria

About 200,000 Syrian refugees have returned to their country since the fall of the Assad regime. Most refugees left Syria because of repression and are now returning because of instability in neighboring countries.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine had a telephone conversation with the Minister of State of Qatar. The parties discussed the humanitarian initiative “Food from Ukraine” and the return of Ukrainian children.

The village of Daryino in the Suzhansky district of the Kursk region was completely destroyed by Russian troops. The video shows that the village has been reduced to ruins without a single intact building.

The President of Ukraine invited the UN to join the Food from Ukraine initiative to supply food to Syria. During the meeting with UN representatives, the parties also discussed humanitarian aid to Ukrainians worth $3.3 billion.

Russia is keeping Kalibr carriers in the Mediterranean, although they have not been used for years. The ships are on standby after losing access to the Tartus base.

Minister Sibiga says Russia is illegally trading in stolen Ukrainian grain and warns of sanctions against those involved. Ukraine has sent notes of protest and is preparing an appeal to the International Maritime Organization.

The US President and Israeli Prime Minister held talks on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. Biden emphasized the changed regional circumstances after the fall of the Assad regime and the weakening of Iran's influence.

EU foreign ministers will meet in Brussels at the end of January to discuss the lifting of sanctions against Syria. This was announced by Kaja Kallas during her visit to Saudi Arabia.

In the suburbs of Damascus, militants affiliated with the new government publicly executed a local official, Masen Knehneh. He was accused of writing reports for the Assad regime that led to the torture of young people.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister had a phone conversation with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. The parties discussed coordination of efforts in Ukraine-EU relations, the Food from Ukraine initiative and assistance to Syria.

In the fighting near the city of Manbij in northern Syria, 37 people were killed, mostly pro-Turkish fighters. Over the past month, the number of victims in this region has reached 322.

Lloyd Austin said that achieving Russia's goals in Ukraine will lead to significant losses for it in the future. To maintain the occupied territories, Russia will have to spend huge resources and engage significant ground forces.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken meets with French President Macron in Paris. The parties discussed support for Ukraine, North Korea's assistance to Russia, and the situation in the Middle East.

The President of Ukraine had a conversation with the Emir of Qatar on the return of deported children and humanitarian aid. Qatar facilitated the return of 53 children and provided them with medical assistance, and they also discussed support for Syria.

The French Foreign Minister announced the possibility of lifting EU sanctions on transactions with Syrian state institutions. The decision will depend on how the new leadership handles the transition of power.

Minister Andriy Sybiga discussed the humanitarian situation in Syria with Annalena Burbock. The parties coordinated joint actions to support the Syrian people and ensure food security in the region.

The President of Ukraine had a phone conversation with Karin Keller-Sutter and congratulated her on her new position. They discussed support for Ukraine, the Peace Summit and the Food from Ukraine program for Syria.

The President of Ukraine had a conversation with the new President of Switzerland Viola Amgerd. They discussed the possibility of jointly supplying Ukrainian food to Syria and organizing a Peace Summit.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga held talks with Iceland's Foreign Minister. The parties discussed military assistance, investments in arms production, and support for humanitarian initiatives.

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.