Turkey
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.
The US National Security Advisor warns of a possible revival of ISIS due to the power vacuum in Syria after Assad's flight. Terrorists have become more active and may take advantage of instability in the region.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the “protection of citizens” in Transnistria due to the possible termination of gas supplies through Ukraine. Moldova accuses Moscow of gas blackmail and is looking for alternative supply routes.
The Cool Rover gas carrier has delivered the first batch of LNG from the Portova plant to the Italian port of Livorno. This comes amid a reduction in gas supplies by pipeline after the outbreak of war.
Israel's Prime Minister announced the maintenance of a buffer zone in Syria until a new agreement is reached. The statement was made from Mount Hermon amid the escalation of the conflict and the build-up of military presence in the region.
Russia's maritime oil exports fell to 3. 06 million barrels per day due to terminal repairs and sanctions pressure. Two-thirds of Russia's “shadow fleet” tankers are idle at ports due to tighter Western sanctions.
A TT pistol with 8 rounds of ammunition hidden in a car repair book was found at the Orlivka checkpoint in Odesa region. A Ukrainian citizen tried to take the weapon to Turkey.
U. S. officials report a buildup of Turkish troops and artillery along the border with Syria near the city of Kobani. The situation is reminiscent of the events of 2019 before the previous Turkish invasion.
Turkey has announced the reopening of its embassy in Damascus, which has been closed since 2012. Burhan Keroglu, who was previously the ambassador to Mauritania, was appointed as the charge d'affaires.