Author: Anadolu Agency
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday denounced an “inhumane” attack from Russia, which launched over 170 missiles and drones on his war-torn country’s power grid on Christmas Day, killing an energy worker. The country woke up at 5:30 am (0330 GMT) to an air raid alarm, shortly followed by air force reports that Russia had launched Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea. “Putin deliberately chose Christmas to attack. What could be more inhumane? More than 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, and more than a hundred attack drones. The target is our energy system,” Zelensky said. This was the 13th…
On Christmas, the Irish taoiseach (prime minister) said his country must keep raising a voice for human rights, for freedom, for peace and for an end to violence. In his Christmas Day message, Simon Harris said Ireland should continue to speak out against all the terrible conflicts and sufferings taking place in the world at a time when “we wish each other peace and joy.” Also touching on some challenges that the Irish citizens faced during 2024, he stated that there is much work to do to help with the housing crisis, to take real action on climate as well…
As Syria begins to rebuild and normalize after the fall of the Baath regime, Aleppo’s Christian community gathered in the Catholic Church to joyfully celebrate Christmas. The city’s Christians, enjoying renewed stability and peace under the control of groups that toppled the previous regime, embraced the holiday with hope and unity. The Catholic Church, prepared for the occasion, featured a brightly lit Christmas tree and festive decorations, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Hundreds of Christians from all age groups filled the church, coming together to express their wishes for peace and harmony. The celebration was marked by prayers and…
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday expressed “heartfelt congratulations” to Christians on the occasion of Christmas, wishing them peace and happiness. “On the occasion of Christmas, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our citizens who follow the Christian faith,” Erdoğan said, according to a statement issued by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate. Erdoğan said that as in the history of “our civilization, we remain committed today to ensuring that no distinctions are made among people based on origin, race, language, religion, or sect.” “It is of great importance to us that all of our citizens are able to live freely according…
The Yemeni Houthi group announced on Wednesday the arrest of several spies in Yemen who were allegedly working for the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). “Security agencies have, in recent days, arrested an (unspecified) number of spies recruited by the wanted (man) Hamid Hussein Fayed Majali,” the Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV channel reported, citing a statement issued by the group. The statement, which did not mention the nationalities of the arrested alleged spies, explained that Mossad and the CIA had assigned these spies several tasks, including “monitoring and gathering information on experts, laboratories, launch platforms,…
Electric vehicles (EVs) are estimated to make up 30% of Türkiye’s auto market in 2025, as increasingly more EV models of well-known car brands enter the country and the domestic EV brand Togg boosts its production capacity, Ali Bilaloglu, CEO of the Turkish auto exporter and distributor Dogus Otomotiv, told Anadolu. Bilaloglu stated EV and hybrid sales accounted for 27% of the total Turkish auto market this year, led by the entry of Chinese brands into the market. “This year, we launched at least one EV model for almost every brand we distribute, representing all Volkswagen Group brands, and two…
Electric vehicles (EVs) are estimated to make up 30% of Türkiye’s auto market in 2025, as increasingly more EV models of well-known car brands enter the country and the domestic EV brand Togg boosts its production capacity, Ali Bilaloglu, CEO of the Turkish auto exporter and distributor Dogus Otomotiv, told Anadolu. Bilaloglu stated EV and hybrid sales accounted for 27% of the total Turkish auto market this year, led by the entry of Chinese brands into the market. “This year, we launched at least one EV model for almost every brand we distribute, representing all Volkswagen Group brands, and two…
The United Arab Emirates’ various vision projects create new cooperation opportunities for Turkish investors with the UAE’s potential to access a geography with a total $35 trillion economy, Kanat Kutluk, head of the Dubai Turkish Business Council, told Anadolu. Kutluk said the UAE is a major trade partner of Türkiye, as the trade volume between the two countries last year reached $17.7 billion, with prominent Turkish exports to the UAE including silver, motor vehicles and vehicle parts, carpets, textiles, and more. He highlighted that renewable energy investments can boost the trade potential of the two countries and noted that areas…
Russian companies have started using Bitcoin and other digital assets in international payments, the Russian finance minister said on Wednesday. In a statement to the Russian state channel Rossiya-24, Anton Siluanov said that Bitcoins mined in Russia can be used in the experimental process for international payments, and such payments have begun. Siluanov noted that this payment method should be developed and expanded. While there are no restrictions on the purchase of cryptocurrencies in Russia, the use of these cryptocurrencies as a form of payment within the country is prohibited. With the decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on…
Türkiye’s Bitcoin regulations offer optimism for investors in 2025, with the cryptocurrency ecosystem becoming more reliable due to the changes introduced this year. The crypto market, especially Bitcoin, had an eventful year, setting a record by surpassing $100,000. Last year, Türkiye established its first legal framework for the cryptocurrency sector, sparking growing interest in digital currencies. Salim Karaman, CEO of Turkish crypto exchange platform BtcTurk, told Anadolu that the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the US this year was a landmark development for the industry. The move encouraged many hesitant investors to enter the market, but Karaman…