Syria

The Syrian Ministry of Interior has detained Wasim al-Assad, a cousin of the overthrown president Bashar al-Assad, who is considered one of the biggest drug traffickers and war criminals. He is accused of involvement in drug trafficking and support for the regime, which led to sanctions from the US and EU.

On June 20, 2025, Switzerland lifted several economic sanctions against Syria, including restrictions on financial services and trade in precious metals. This decision follows the actions of the European Union on May 27, 2025.

For the first time since 2011, Syria has made an international bank transfer via SWIFT, opening the door for similar operations. This marks a significant step towards the country's reintegration into the global financial system amid the lifting of EU sanctions.

Israeli officials are considering options other than airstrikes on Iran, including a special forces raid on the uranium enrichment facility in Fordo. While US President Donald Trump doubts the effectiveness of bombs against fortified targets, Israel is preparing to act alone.

Copenhagen has overtaken Vienna as the world's most livable city, receiving perfect scores for stability, infrastructure, and education. Vienna lost its lead due to a decline in its security score.

The Israel Defense Forces withdrew the main forces from Gaza, leaving four divisions. The borders with Jordan and Egypt have been reinforced due to threats.

Israeli soldiers destroyed the head of intelligence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and his deputy, as well as the heads of intelligence of the "Quds" forces. The liquidation dealt a blow to Iran's ability to carry out terrorist attacks.

The Trump administration is considering expanding the list of countries whose citizens will be banned from entering the United States. The reasons are problems with document security and migration cooperation.

On June 15, Ukraine celebrates Father's Day and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It also honors the Day of Medical Worker, the Day of Prophet Amos, and the Day of St. Jerome.

After Iran's missile strike on Haifa, Syria, Jordan and Iraq closed their airspace. Flights in Lebanon have been canceled due to Iranian shells in the sky over Beirut.

The UK is deploying additional military assets, including fighter jets, to the Middle East. Preparations began on Friday due to the deteriorating situation in the region.

Due to the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, caused by Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Ukrainians are advised to refrain from traveling to certain countries. Recommendations are published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Russian mercenaries from the Wagner PMC have created a network of secret prisons in Mali, where civilians are tortured and kidnapped. From 2023 to 2025, 668 people went missing.

The European Union has added Monaco to the list of countries with a high risk of money laundering and terrorist financing. Russia was again not included in the updated list.

In response to the launch of two rockets from Syria, Israel launched artillery strikes on Syrian positions. The responsibility for the shelling was claimed by the group "Brigades of the Martyr Muhammad Deif".

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has announced the resignation of the government due to disagreements in the coalition over migration policy. This could lead to early elections in the country.

The US has reopened the ambassador's residence in Damascus after a 12-year break in diplomatic relations. This indicates a warming of relations between the US and Syria. Representatives of the two countries signed an agreement on energy development.

The EU Council has decided to lift economic sanctions against Syria, with the exception of security-related restrictions. This decision aims to support the Syrian people in rebuilding the country.

The number of refugees in Germany reached 3. 45 million, a third from Ukraine. 108,000 Ukrainians arrived in a year, with a total of about 1.2 million.

American Senator Lindsey Graham addressed the Russians, stating that Putin is leading them into the abyss. He emphasized that Russia has become a rogue state because of Putin's actions.

In 17 countries across the Middle East and North Africa, there is a recorded increase in cancer incidence among women. This is linked to rising average temperatures, air pollution, and other factors.

Syria announced reforms in the Ministry of Internal Affairs after the lifting of Western sanctions. They promise to fight human trafficking and drug trafficking, as well as create a transparent civil security institution.

The Trump administration has issued orders to ease sanctions on Syria to help the country rebuild after the war. The US Treasury Department has issued a license allowing transactions involving the Syrian government.

Unknown armed men attacked Russian military checkpoints around the Khmeimim airbase. The Syrian monitoring center reported unprecedented tension in the area.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced the lifting of economic sanctions on Syria. This is done to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful country.

The Trump administration planned to use U. S. foreign aid funds to finance a voluntary repatriation program for migrants, including Ukrainians and Haitians. It was about more than 700 thousand people.

In February 2025, the number of first-time asylum seekers in the EU decreased by 23% compared to last year. Most applicants are from Venezuela, Spain received the most.

Syria plans to print its national currency in the UAE and Germany, refusing the services of Russia. This is happening against the background of the easing of EU and US sanctions and the conclusion of economic agreements with the UAE.

Negotiations between Israel and Syria took place in Baku with the mediation of Azerbaijan. The parties discussed the situation on Israel's northern border and the possibilities for its stabilization.

Donald Trump announced the possibility of imposing secondary sanctions against Russia for its support of Iran and the war in Ukraine. He also mentioned possible restrictions on Iran.