Syria

The Syrian government has asked Russia to extradite Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Moscow in December. Damascus is also demanding compensation for supporting the Assad regime and participating in the reconstruction of the country.

The U. S. Secretary of State has allowed the continuation of funding for humanitarian programs during the 90-day moratorium. The Pentagon's military aid to Ukraine has not been affected, but civilian programs have been suspended.

Satellite imagery shows Russian military equipment being transported from the Syrian port of Tartus to the Sparta and Sparta II vessels. The equipment is being loaded onto the ships of the Oboronlogistika company, which operates under the direction of the Russian Defense Ministry.

EU foreign ministers agree on a plan to ease sanctions on Syria. Restrictions in the energy and transportation sectors may be lifted, but the decision could be reversed if the wrong steps are taken.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council will consider the situation in Ukraine as the first item on the agenda. The meeting will be held on January 27 under the chairmanship of Kaja Kallas with the participation of Ukrainian Minister Andriy Sybiga.

The European Union is preparing to lift restrictions on Syria's energy and transportation sectors. The issue of financial sanctions remains open, and a final decision is expected at a ministerial meeting in Brussels.

The Russian Foreign Ministry is ready to restore relations with Georgia, but only if Tbilisi is ready. Moscow accuses the US and EU of interfering in Georgia's internal affairs and putting pressure on the country.

Israel said it would leave troops in southern Lebanon after Sunday's deadline due to the failure to fulfill the terms of the agreement. The agreement provided for the withdrawal of Hezbollah beyond the Litani River and the deployment of the Lebanese army in the region.

French investigating judges have issued an arrest warrant for Bashar al-Assad for war crimes. The case concerns the death of a French-Syrian citizen during a bombing in 2017.

Israel has launched a large-scale military operation against terrorism in the West Bank city of Jenin. The IDF, Shabak and Israeli police are participating in Operation Iron Wall to strengthen security in the region.

Syrian authorities have allowed civilian ships to enter the military harbor of Tartus, but the ban on Russian warships remains in place. Two Russian transports have been waiting in neutral waters for two weeks for permission to remove equipment.

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.