Author: Anadolu Agency

NATO member states will do their best to provide Ukraine with more much-needed air defense systems, said the alliance’s chief on Wednesday. Pointing to systematic Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Russia and China are trying to destabilize NATO nations through acts of sabotage, cyber-crimes, and by weaponizing energy. To counter this threat, the alliance will take further steps, including better intelligence sharing, he said, speaking to the press on day two of a meeting of NATO member state foreign ministers in Brussels. Rutte also emphasized that Ukraine should be in the position…

Russia, Iran and Türkiye are in “close contact” over the conflict in Syria, Moscow said Wednesday, after a shock offensive has seen rebels capture the second-largest city of Aleppo. “The foreign ministers of the three guarantor countries — Russia, Iran and Türkiye — are in close contact with each other,” Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Wednesday. Moscow is a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and is supporting his attempts to quash the rebellion with air strikes, while Ankara has historically supported some anti-government forces. Russia and Türkiye brokered a 2016 ceasefire between the various…

The WORLDEF Dubai e-commerce fair has opened its doors at Dubai CommerCity (DCC), bringing together industry leaders to discuss e-commerce trends and the future of digital trade. Organized by Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Wasl Properties and held under the patronage of DIEZ Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the event highlights strategic partnerships with DCC. Among the exhibitors are 35 brands from Türkiye, showcasing their products to an international audience. The opening address will be delivered by WORLDEF CEO Omer Nart. Among the prominent speakers are DIEZ Executive Chairman Mohammed Al Zarooni, Dubai Chambers Chairman and…

Britain will push NATO allies to bolster support for Ukraine and increase defense spending during the alliance’s foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Wednesday. Foreign Secretary David Lammy will attend the NATO meeting to call for an increase in support for Ukraine and underscore its commitment to 2.5% defense spending, according to a Foreign Office statement.
 “As Ukraine endures a third winter since Russia’s full-scale invasion, he will call on Allies to boost their military assistance and ensure Ukraine continues on its irreversible path to NATO membership,” it said.
 The statement said that failing to increase Euro-Atlantic support, will “embolden…

Pope Francis on Wednesday discussed the situation in Ukraine and the efforts for peace with the Hungarian prime minister, according to an official statement. The Pope received Viktor Orban at the Secretariat of State and the meeting “took place in a cordial atmosphere,” the Vatican press office said. “During the dialogue, particular attention was paid to the war in Ukraine, focusing on the humanitarian consequences and the efforts to promote peace,” it added. Pope Francis and Orban also examined “some themes of common interest” such as the “Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union, the central role of…

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday attended the Foreign Ministers Session of the North Atlantic Council in Brussels. Fidan met his British counterpart David Lammy as part of the meeting, according to information obtained from the Foreign Ministry sources. The two sides discussed the issue of Syria during the talks. Fidan also met George Gerapetritis, the foreign minister of Greece, his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, Canada’s top diplomat Melanie Joly, and Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on the margins of the session.

At least two children are killed or injured every day in Ukraine, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said Wednesday as it highlighted the toll of the war with Russia on children. “The UN has verified that at least 2,406 children have been killed or injured since February 2022 — an average of two children every day,” the head of the agency, Catherine Russell, said at a Security Council session on Ukraine. Emphasizing the escalating effect on children, she said, “The UN verified more child casualties during the first nine months of 2024 than we did during all of 2023.” “That…

A Russian ship fired warning shots at a German military helicopter in the Baltic Sea, local media reported on Wednesday. The incident occurred during a routine surveillance operation in the region, German press agency DPA reported, citing defense officials. The Russian vessel reportedly used signal ammunition, a type of warning munition typically reserved for emergency situations. Earlier on Wednesday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock disclosed that a German helicopter was targeted by a Russian ship, but she did not provide any additional details. “The Russian president, with the support of others, is further expanding his hybrid attacks on the European…

The secretary general of the Council of Europe on Wednesday reaffirmed commitment to support Ukraine. Alain Berset’s remarks came after his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. “The Council of Europe (COE) remains firmly committed to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom and a European and democratic future,” Berset said on X. “President Zelenskyy acknowledged that COE’s support in ensuring accountability and compensation is key,” he added. Zelenskyy, for his part, voiced content over the Council of Europe’s support for Kyiv. “We discussed the need to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression, as it…

Russia claimed Wednesday that the recent escalation in Syria has a “Ukrainian trace” as Moscow accused Kyiv of interacting with the armed anti-regime group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). “It is clear that there is a ‘Ukrainian trace’ involved,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a news conference in Moscow. She said Russia received information about alleged interactions between Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) and the HTS, which Russia lists as a “terrorist organization.” Zakharova claimed that the alleged interactions include talks on the transfer of drones and expertise with regards to their use, and said Moscow condemned the attack by…