Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after talks with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, hopes to discuss a peace plan between Ukraine and Russia with US President Donald Trump, adding that "peace is not far off. "
Archaeologists in Turkey have found a 3rd-century fresco depicting Jesus among goats. This is the only known example of early Christian art outside of Italy.
On the evening of December 12, the Russian army attacked the Odesa region, damaging a port infrastructure facility, which caused a fire. Rescuers promptly extinguished the fire; there is no information about deaths or injuries.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that a limited ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, aimed at energy facilities and ports, would be beneficial. He voiced this proposal during a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Turkmenistan.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the damage to a Turkish company's vessel in the port of Chornomorsk, emphasizing the importance of ending the war. The ship's crew has been evacuated, and no Turkish citizens were harmed.
Russia attacked Odesa region's civilian port infrastructure with Shaheds and ballistic missiles. A worker was wounded and a container handler was damaged in Odesa port, and a Turkish ferry was damaged in Chornomorsk port.
According to the Kremlin, Putin and Erdogan exchanged views on the Ukrainian issue and discussed Europeans' attempts to seize Russian assets.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Europe should help Ukraine make "certain difficult choices" to prevent greater losses. Turkey continues to facilitate negotiations between the parties, recalling the progress made in Istanbul in the summer.
Hyundai unveiled the new Concept Three electric hatchback at the Munich Motor Show in September, which will be named IONIQ 3. Production is set to begin in early 2026 in Turkey, with an expected price of around $33,700.
Ukraine's foreign trade deficit in goods for January-November 2025 reached $38. 6 billion, which is 52.6% more than last year. Imports amounted to $75.4 billion, exports - $36.8 billion, trade turnover - $112.2 billion.
US sanctions against Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, which came into force on November 21, could cause a structural reorganization of the global oil sector. This will lead to the forced sale of assets and the redistribution of ownership of fields and refineries around the world.
US Ambassador Tom Barrack said that Turkey must abandon the Russian S-400 air defense system. This is a condition for the country's return to the F-35 program.
Russia is increasing oil exports, reaching the highest weekly shipments since February 2022, but unloading cargoes is becoming a problem. This has led to a 28% increase in the volume of Russian sea shipments since late August, and the surplus of oil at sea has reached a two-and-a-half-year high, limiting the Kremlin's revenues.
President Zelenskyy reported 24/7 communication with partners, which confirms Europe's maximum involvement in resolving the Ukrainian issue. He discussed support for Ukraine, strengthening air defense, and energy assistance with representatives of many countries and international organizations.
In November 2025, 123 tankers departed from Russian ports, which is 17 fewer than in October. Russian oil exports decreased to 14 million tons, which is 2 million tons less compared to the previous month.
The Russian tanker Kairos, part of the 'shadow fleet', ran aground near the Bulgarian city of Ahtopol. There are 10 crew members on board, but evacuation is not yet possible due to a strong storm.
In January-October 2025, Ukraine increased its imports of tomatoes to 81. 8 thousand tons and cucumbers to 109.6 thousand tons. Turkey traditionally remains the largest supplier of both crops.
St. Nicholas Day, now celebrated on December 6 according to the New Julian calendar, is one of the most beloved winter holidays. This day is dedicated to kindness, care, and gifts, especially for children.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned representatives of the diplomatic missions of Russia and Ukraine due to attacks on ships in the Black Sea. The head of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Fuat Oktay, stated that the spread of the war to civilian shipping is a cause for concern.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has been making statements for two days in a row that indicate his unwillingness to end the war, threatening seaports and freedom of navigation, especially Odesa. Sybiha emphasized that Russia must stop the bloodshed, otherwise it will have consequences.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that in response to attacks on tankers, Russia would expand strikes on Ukrainian ports and vessels entering these ports.
The profits of the Russian oil giant Rosneft collapsed by almost 70% due to sanctions. The CPD reports a crisis in Russia's energy sector.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Georgiy Tykhyi, officially denied Ukraine's involvement in the incident with the MIDVOLGA-2 tanker, which was transporting sunflower oil under the Russian flag. He hinted that Russia might have staged the attack, as the vessel's route made no sense.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his first foreign trip to Lebanon and Turkey, visiting the port of Beirut. He prayed for the 220 people who died in August 2020 and met with relatives of the explosion victims.
The tanker MIDVOLGA-2, carrying sunflower oil, was attacked 80 miles off the coast of Turkey. All 13 crew members are safe, and the vessel continued its journey to Sinop.
In November, Turkey reduced imports of Russian Urals crude oil by 100,000 barrels per day, to approximately 200,000 barrels per day. This comes amid tightening Western sanctions and the transition of Turkish refineries to alternative grades such as Kazakhstan's CPC Blend and Iraq's Basrah.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that attacks on vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet" in the Black Sea are a sign of an "alarming escalation of the situation. " He emphasized that these incidents threaten navigation safety and human lives.
The Russian-linked tanker "Mersin" suffered four external explosions near Dakar, Senegal, resulting in seawater entering the engine room. This is the third such incident in a few days involving Russian tankers; the SBU may be involved in the two previous ones.
US and Ukrainian delegations met in Florida to discuss the election schedule, the possibility of territorial exchange, and other outstanding issues. These negotiations are key to agreeing on the proposed peace deal.
The KAIROS tanker, damaged in the Black Sea while transporting Russian oil products, cannot yet be towed to shore. The vessel has drifted 18 kilometers from the coast, and the oil spill has stretched for 16 kilometers.