Turkey

Britain and the US warn citizens against traveling to 16 countries, including Turkey, UAE, Cyprus, and Egypt. The reason is growing tensions in the Middle East and security risks.

Greece plans to expand its territorial waters, possibly in the Aegean Sea, despite Turkey's threat of war. This is causing tension between the NATO allies, who have disagreements over continental shelves.

Brussels is considering a revision of the EU accession system, proposing a two-tier model that could accelerate Ukraine's entry. This plan raises concerns among some member states about its implications for the Union.

Donald Trump confirmed the transition to the next phase of his "20-point plan" for the Gaza Strip, which involves the transfer of power to the National Committee and demilitarization. He issued an ultimatum to Hamas regarding disarmament and the return of hostages.

Canada recommends its citizens to immediately leave Iran by land. Iraq has suspended all passenger flights with Iran.

The US Embassy urges its citizens to leave Iran immediately due to escalating protests that could turn violent. Americans are advised to have an exit plan from the country that "does not rely on assistance from the US government."

Hamas will dissolve its administration in Gaza after a Palestinian technocratic governing committee takes control of the region. This is a requirement of a US-brokered plan for the enclave.

Rescuers began work in Aleppo after five days of fighting between government forces and the SDF. 23 people died, and 140,000 residents left their homes.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that after the development of a peace plan and security guarantees for Ukraine, Russia must demonstrate its interest in ending the war. The 20-point peace plan was discussed by Zelenskyy and Trump in 2025.

Russian analysts have acknowledged the Russian Navy's inability to protect 'shadow fleet' vessels after the US seizure of the tanker Marinera on January 7, 2026. The fleet lacks the resources to convoy tankers over long distances.

Dmytro Lubinets reacted to cases of physical and psychological abuse of over 500 Ukrainian children in Turkey. The discovered facts have been sent to the Prime Minister and authorities for immediate action.

The Palau-flagged tanker Elbus was hit by a drone off the coast of Kastamonu, Turkey. The crew was unharmed, and the vessel is being towed to the port of Inebolu.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine recommends that citizens leave Iran due to the deteriorating security situation. Departure is possible through Tehran airport and border crossings with Armenia and Turkey.

President of the European Council António Costa stated that the security guarantees agreement is a key step towards achieving a just peace in Ukraine. He also emphasized that Ukraine's accession to the EU is an important security guarantee.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is discussing future peace talks and possible venues with its partners. Turkey has previously served as a platform for prisoner exchanges, and this track will continue.

A clear US commitment to support Ukraine has been removed from the text of the joint statement adopted in Paris. Instead, the US commits to supporting forces in the event of an attack and providing intelligence and logistical assistance.

Ukrainian negotiators, led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, held consultations in Paris with national security advisors from France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Turkey, with the participation of the US, NATO, the European Commission, and the European Council. The parameters of security guarantees, deterring Russian aggression, and the logic of further steps in the peace process were discussed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highly praised the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on January 6, where 27 heads of state, the EU, NATO, and other representatives were present. He emphasized the importance of joint declarations and the readiness to deploy coalition forces for real security.

European officials are discussing sending 15,000-30,000 troops to Ukraine, with France and Great Britain leading the ground and air components, and Turkey ensuring the security of transport routes in the Black Sea, ahead of the summit in Paris, where specific commitments regarding Ukraine's security are expected.

Turkish President Erdogan insists on the country's reintegration into the F-35 program, which he discussed with Donald Trump. Ankara seeks to obtain the aircraft for which it has already paid part of the funds, but Israel opposes it due to the use of unique technologies in the aircraft.

In Switzerland, 24 of the 40 victims of the bar fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort have been identified. Among the deceased are citizens of Switzerland, Italy, the UAE, Romania, France, and Turkey, aged between 14 and 39. A national day of mourning is scheduled for January 9, 2026, with a minute of silence and church bells ringing.

Ukraine handed over lists of Ukrainian prisoners of war and missing persons to the Chief Ombudsman of Turkey, Mehmet Akarca. This was done for verification and repatriation, including the seriously ill and civilians.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will hold a telephone conversation with Donald Trump regarding the peace process in Ukraine and the Palestinian issue. The Turkish leader is also in contact with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders on these issues.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced efforts to resume prisoner exchanges. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov is holding meetings in Turkey to facilitate this process.

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara. The security situation, negotiation processes, and the return of Ukrainians were discussed.

Former football player Roberto Carlos denied rumors of deteriorating health after a planned medical procedure. The 52-year-old former Real Madrid defender announced the successful completion of the examination, denying information about a heart attack.

Political scientist Stanislav Zhelikhovsky highlighted the key events of the year: Trump's return, resumption of negotiations, creation of the "Coalition of the Willing", allocation of 90 billion euros to Ukraine, and the PURL mechanism. The expert also mentioned the elections in Poland and Zelenskyy's visit.

Discounts on Russian oil at export terminals again approached historical highs, reducing margins and leading to losses. More than half of Russian oil companies are eligible for zero or reduced mineral extraction tax rates.

Two oil tankers, KALBAJAR and ALATEPE, collided in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul. A rescue operation is underway in difficult weather conditions.

Russian pipeline gas exports to Europe in 2025 decreased by 44% to 18 billion cubic meters, which is the lowest figure since the mid-1970s. This happened after the closure of the Ukrainian route and the cessation of fossil fuel imports from Russia.