Turkey

Turkey's President is ready to negotiate on the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia through the Turkish Stream. Slovak Prime Minister Fico plans to send the Minister of Economy to Turkey for further talks.

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 first meeting in the Ukraine-Southeast Europe format was held in Kyiv with the participation of foreign ministers from 9 countries. They discussed defense, demining and support for Ukraine on its way to the EU.

The first ministerial meeting between Ukraine and Southeast Europe was held in Kyiv, where a joint communiqué was adopted. The document reaffirms support for Ukraine and calls for strengthening the region's energy security.

The United States imposed sanctions on nearly 100 entities associated with the Russian military machine. Banks, defense companies, foreign companies and individuals are subject to restrictions.

The Cologne District Court has banned Aldi Süd from selling chocolate called “Dubai” that is made in Turkey. Only sweets produced directly in Dubai can bear this name.

Olympic silver medalist in shooting Yusuf Dikeç demanded 30 thousand euros for an interview with L'Equipe. The demand caused outrage in Turkish sports circles because of the prestige of the French publication.

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.

The Japanese government imposed new sanctions against Russia, freezing the assets of 45 individuals and organizations. Starting January 23, the export of 335 goods, including motorcycles and specialty vehicle components, will also be banned.

Ukraine has extradited to Turkey a convict who was hiding in Kyiv region from punishment for sexual harassment of minors. The man, sentenced to 6 years and 8 months, was handed over to Turkish authorities.

Gas prices in Europe rose by 4. 3% after transit through Ukraine was cut off. Traders predict further price increases due to winter frosts and limited alternative supply routes.

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.

Wholesale prices for tangerines in Europe have reached record levels, approaching €2 per kilogram. The reason was a poor harvest in Turkey and weather disasters in the EU in 2024.

Turkey's president said that a just end to the war between Ukraine and Russia remains the country's priority. Erdogan hopes for a new era in the north in 2025.

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 separatist authorities of Transnistria have cut off gas supplies to 12 state institutions due to the upcoming cessation of transit from Russia. “Gazprom plans to stop gas exports to Moldova on January 1 due to debts.

In 2024, the number of displaced people in the world increased by 5 million compared to last year. The biggest crisis is in Syria, where 13.8 million people have become refugees inside and outside the country.

Kyrgyzstan has begun construction of a new railroad connecting China with Europe through Central Asia. The 450-500 km long project will allow cargo to be transported bypassing russia.

Gas prices in Europe are up 5% after Putin cast doubt on the possibility of a new transit deal with Ukraine. EU countries are looking for alternative solutions, but Zelenskiy rejects options financed by Russia.

The Antimonopoly Committee has found a lack of competition in the market of bandages for patients with epidermolysis bullosa. The Swedish company Molnlycke Health Care created a monopoly due to the peculiarities of medical documentation.

The 274-meter-long Panamanian-flagged tanker Cordelia Moon broke down in the Bosphorus. The vessel was traveling from the Turkish port of Yalova to Novorossiysk, which led to a complete cessation of traffic in both directions.

russian companies have officially started using cryptocurrencies for international payments following legislative changes. The Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation confirmed the transactions and announced the expansion of the practice next year.

A massive explosion has occurred at an explosives factory in Balikesir, Turkey. According to preliminary reports, 12 people were killed and 3 injured, and the causes of the incident are under investigation.

X increases the cost of Premium+ subscription by 37. 5% to $22 per month. The changes will affect users around the world, with the largest growth in Nigeria and Turkey.

Greenhouse tomatoes in Ukraine have risen in price by 20% due to increased demand before the holidays. Imported tomatoes from Turkey are sold at 80-100 UAH/kg, which is 12% more expensive than last year.

The President of Ukraine has identified key tasks for diplomats for the next year. The priorities include work on NATO, sanctions against Russia and achieving a just peace by 2025.

In Turkey, an ambulance helicopter collided with a hospital building, killing 4 crew members. The accident occurred in heavy fog, and the causes of the incident are currently under investigation.

The United States canceled the reward for the arrest of HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa after the first official meeting in Damascus. Syria's new leader promised to fight terrorism and promote regional peace.

The USA allowed Turkey to make payments for gas through the sanctioned Gazprombank. A similar sanctions exemption was also granted to Hungary.

A Lithuanian Beechcraft plane was detained at Helsinki airport on suspicion of circumventing sanctions. The plane was planning an unusual route to Pskov via Helsinki instead of a direct flight from Latvia.