President Erdogan sees Ukraine peace near, plans talks with Trump

Recep Tayyip Erdogan links renewed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed optimism that peace in Ukraine is within reach, following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ashgabat. Erdogan stated that Ankara will also engage with US President Donald Trump to discuss a potential peace plan, emphasizing Türkiye's unique diplomatic role. He warned against allowing the Black Sea to become a zone of confrontation, stressing that stability benefits all regional actors.diplomacy to stability in Black Sea, saying confrontation would benefit neither Russia nor Ukraine

Turkish foreign minister says Syria recovery needs cooperation, stability first

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has emphasized that international and regional cooperation is essential for Syria's recovery, noting that initial investments are taking shape amidst enormous destruction. He identified the SDF-controlled northeast and Israeli-engaged south as key security concerns. Separately, Fidan urged a limited maritime agreement to protect commercial navigation in the Black Sea if a full Ukraine ceasefire remains elusive.

Türkiye condemns ISIS ambush in Syria that killed US, Syrian forces

Türkiye has condemned a terrorist attack by an ISIS militant in Syria that targeted a joint patrol of Syrian and US forces near Palmyra. The Foreign Ministry extended condolences to the families of the victims and to the governments of Syria and the United States. Ankara reaffirmed its continued support for Damascus's efforts to combat terrorism and ensure stability within the country.

Syria’s President al-Sharaa pledges no exclusion in state rebuilding phase

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has stated that Syria is entering a new phase of rebuilding based on stability and popular participation, with no exclusionary or retaliatory agenda against any group. Speaking at a meeting with community leaders from coastal provinces, he described Syria as a "state of citizenship" that guarantees justice. Attendees emphasized civil peace and the need for an investment map to spur development.

Turkish foreign minister calls Palestine the 'moral compass' of our era

Speaking at the Al Sharq Youth Conference in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the Palestinian issue remains the defining moral challenge of this era. He framed it as a critical test of the Muslim world's ability to turn shared values into collective action, which necessitates resisting Israeli aggression and expansionism. Fidan called for greater unity and a shift from global competition to regional partnership.

Declassified files reveal US nuclear drills in Japan during cold war

Declassified US military documents reveal that American forces stationed in Japan conducted multiple simulated hydrogen bomb drills in Okinawa during the early 1970s, preparing for potential nuclear conflict with the Soviet Union or China. The exercises continued even after Okinawa's return to Japanese administration in 1972, according to an analysis by Japan's Kyodo news agency and a researcher.

German chancellor Merz: Putin aims to restore Soviet Union borders

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of seeking to fundamentally alter Europe's borders and restore the former Soviet Union. Speaking at a Christian Social Union party conference in Munich, Merz warned that a Russian victory in Ukraine would not satisfy Moscow's ambitions, posing a continued military threat to other former Soviet states. He stressed the urgency of sustained support for Kyiv and enhanced European defense.

Russia to retaliate swiftly against EU asset freeze, vows foreign ministry

Russia has warned that its response to the European Union's decision to freeze Russian sovereign assets "will not be delayed." Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the move as illegal "robbery" and stated that EU citizens will ultimately bear the cost. The Bank of Russia has filed a lawsuit in Moscow against the Euroclear depository to recover damages from the asset seizure.

Drone strike on UN base in Sudan kills six Bangladeshi peacekeepers

A drone attack on a United Nations base in Sudan's disputed Abyei region has killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injured eight others. The Sudanese army accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of carrying out the strike with three missiles, which also burned a UN warehouse. Bangladesh's interim government has requested urgent medical assistance for the wounded from the UN.

Protesters in Stockholm rally against Israeli ceasefire breaches

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central Stockholm to protest Israel's violations of a ceasefire in Gaza. The rally, held at Odenplan Square, saw calls for an immediate end to military actions and for the Swedish government to stop arms sales to Israel. Organizers stated the weekly protests aim to pressure the international community to enforce the truce and protect Palestinian rights.

Israeli airstrike kills four in Gaza City, ceasefire under scrutiny

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed four Palestinians and injured others on Saturday, according to a medical source. The strike hit a civilian car on the Al-Rashid coastal road. The Israeli military stated it targeted and killed Raed Saad, a senior Hamas official, in response to an earlier bomb attack on its soldiers. Hamas condemned the action as a "criminal violation" of the US-backed ceasefire agreement.

After Putin talks, Erdogan sees Ukraine peace within reach, eyes Trump call

Following a meeting with Vladimir Putin, President Erdogan expressed optimism that peace in Ukraine is "not far off" and hopes to discuss a potential peace plan with US President Trump. He warned against confrontation in the Black Sea and stressed the need for Israel to comply with Gaza ceasefire terms.

In Putin meeting, Erdogan offers Türkiye as host for Ukraine peace talks

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has proposed Türkiye as a potential host for negotiations aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. In talks with Vladimir Putin in Ashgabat, he suggested a limited ceasefire protecting energy infrastructure and ports could be a practical first step toward a broader settlement.

Turkish-operated ship damaged in Ukrainian port strike, Ankara warns

Türkiye has expressed serious concern after a vessel operated by a Turkish company was damaged in an attack on Ukraine's Chornomorsk Port. The Foreign Ministry warned the incident validates fears of war spilling into the Black Sea, threatening maritime security and navigation.

Putin holds separate meetings with Erdogan and regional leaders in Ashgabat

On the sidelines of an international forum, Vladimir Putin held a series of bilateral meetings, including with Turkish President Erdogan, focusing on Ukraine, economic ties, and regional issues. He also met with the leaders of Iran and Turkmenistan to discuss strategic partnerships and cooperation.

Türkiye and US advance talks toward $100 billion bilateral trade goal

Trade Minister Omer Bolat says discussions in Washington have strengthened the mutual commitment to reach $100 billion in annual trade with the US. He outlined Türkiye's vision for a long-term, predictable partnership during meetings with the US Trade Representative and business leaders.

Ukraine reports first Russian Kinzhal missile strike on Odesa port

Ukrainian authorities state Russia has used Kinzhal hypersonic missiles to attack the port of Odesa for the first time in the war, wounding four people and damaging infrastructure. Moscow confirmed launching Kinzhal strikes in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian targets.

Lebanon prepared to demarcate border with Syria, president states

President Joseph Aoun says Lebanon is ready to begin demarcating its land and sea border with Syria whenever Damascus agrees, proposing to defer the contentious Shebaa Farms dispute. He also addressed the government's plan to bring all weapons under state control, including Hezbollah's.

German chancellor to host Zelenskyy and EU leaders for Ukraine talks

Chancellor Friedrich Merz will welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Berlin next Monday for talks on economic support and peace efforts, followed by a broader meeting with European leaders. The discussions will focus on a newly developed European peace proposal.

Türkiye can host peace talks to end Russia-Ukraine war, President Erdogan tells Russia's Putin

Leaked plan shows Trump strategy to realign Europe, divide EU

According to a leaked document, the Trump administration is pursuing a strategy called "Make Europe Great Again" to draw Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Poland away from the EU core and closer to Washington. The plan reportedly seeks to empower right-wing governments, potentially creating a new East-West divide on the continent.

Turkish and Syrian firms meet in Aleppo business forum on reconstruction

A business forum connecting Turkish and Syrian companies in the construction sector has been held in Aleppo, organized by a leading Turkish business association. The event aims to foster investment and cooperation in Syria's rebuilding efforts as the new administration seeks international re-engagement.

Zelenskyy says Russian strike on Odesa port damaged civilian ship

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed a civilian vessel was hit during a Russian missile attack on the port of Chornomorsk near Odesa. He denounced the strike as having "no military purpose," framing it as evidence Russia is not seriously engaged in current diplomatic opportunities.

“Century of Türkiye” summit on investment and finance held in Istanbul

Türkiye warns SDF that integration into Syrian army is only viable path

The Turkish Defense Ministry has stated that the SDF/YPG's attempts to delay integration into the Syrian army are futile and harm regional stability. Spokesman Zeki Akturk emphasized that individual integration, not as a unit, is expected under a March agreement, and urged focus on the group's non-compliance.