International

Erdogan Backs Zelensky’s Peace Plan “in Principle,” Urges More Diplomacy

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed “in principle” his support for the 10-point peace plan presented in 2022 by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which envisions an unconditional withdrawal of Russia, while also calling for “more diplomacy.”

“I believe that at least a joint effort should be initiated to determine the general parameters of peace. In this regard, we support in principle the 10-point peace plan proposed by the Ukrainian president,” Erdogan said in a video message sent to the Western Balkans Summit in Tirana today, which Zelensky also attended.

Plan Proposed in 2022

The aforementioned plan, proposed at the end of 2022, envisages the withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukrainian territory, the restoration of internationally recognized borders, and the establishment of a tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes.

Zelensky emphasized in Tirana the need to receive money and weapons to defend against Russian aggression by proposing initiatives to manufacture more ammunition to Balkan countries, while Erdogan insisted on the importance of negotiations.

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“I maintain my opinion that diplomacy and dialogue should be given a chance to end the war with a just and lasting peace. It is crucial to use diplomatic channels at the highest level to achieve this goal,” the Turkish president said.

Turkey “Supports the Independence” of Ukraine

He recalled that Turkey “supports the independence, sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” mentioned its numerous mediation attempts between Kiev and Moscow, and expressed readiness to resume negotiations held in Istanbul in March 2022, which were ultimately fruitless.

Erdogan also invoked the reactivation of the grain export agreement from Ukrainian ports, negotiated with Turkish assistance and suspended by Russia last July, and noted that he is in contact with the United Nations for “a new regulation, with security commitments in the Black Sea.”

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International

U.S. Senate Rejects Budget, Bringing Government Closer to Shutdown Amid DHS Dispute

The U.S. Senate voted on Thursday against a budget proposal in a move aimed at pressuring changes at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), following the killing of two civilians during a deployment of immigration agents in Minneapolis.

All Senate Democrats and seven Republican lawmakers voted against the bill, which requires 60 votes to advance, pushing the country closer to a partial government shutdown that would cut funding for several agencies, including the Pentagon and the Department of Health.

The rejection came as Senate leaders and the White House continue negotiations on a separate funding package for DHS that would allow reforms to the agency. Proposed measures include banning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing face coverings and requiring them to use body-worn cameras during operations.

The vote took place just hours after President Donald Trump said he was “close” to reaching an agreement with Democrats and did not believe the federal government would face another shutdown, following last year’s record stoppage.

“I don’t think the Democrats want a shutdown either, so we’ll work in a bipartisan way to avoid it. Hopefully, there will be no government shutdown. We’re working on that right now,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting at the White House.

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International

Trump Says Putin Agreed to One-Week Halt in Attacks on Ukraine Amid Extreme Cold

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he secured a commitment from Russian President Vladimir Putinto halt attacks against Ukraine for one week, citing extreme weather conditions affecting the region.

“Because of the extreme cold (…) I personally asked Putin not to attack Kyiv or other cities and towns for a week. And he agreed. He was very pleasant,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting broadcast by the White House.

Trump acknowledged that several advisers had questioned the decision to make the call.
“A lot of people told me not to waste the call because they wouldn’t agree. And he accepted. And we’re very happy they did, because they don’t need missiles hitting their towns and cities,” the president said.

According to Trump, Ukrainian authorities reacted with surprise to the announcement but welcomed the possibility of a temporary ceasefire.
“It’s extraordinarily cold, record cold (…) They say they’ve never experienced cold like this,” he added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later commented on the announcement, expressing hope that the agreement would be honored.

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International

Storm Kristin Kills Five in Portugal, Leaves Nearly 500,000 Without Power

Storm Kristin, which battered Portugal with heavy rain and strong winds early Wednesday, has left at least five people dead, while nearly half a million residents remained without electricity as of Thursday, according to updated figures from authorities.

The revised death toll was confirmed to AFP by a spokesperson for the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANPEC). On Wednesday, the agency had reported four fatalities.

Meanwhile, E-Redes, the country’s electricity distribution network operator, said that around 450,000 customers were still without power, particularly in central Portugal.

Emergency services responded to approximately 1,500 incidents between midnight and 8:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, as the storm caused widespread disruptions.

The Portuguese government described Kristin as an “extreme weather event” that inflicted significant damage across several regions of the country. At the height of the storm, as many as 850,000 households and institutions lost electricity during the early hours of Wednesday.

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Several municipalities ordered the closure of schools, many of which remained shut on Thursday due to ongoing adverse conditions.

Ricardo Costa, regional deputy commander of the Leiria Fire Brigade, said residents continue to seek assistance as rainfall persists.
“Even though the rain is not extremely intense, it is causing extensive damage to homes,” he noted.

In Figueira da Foz, a coastal city in central Portugal, strong winds toppled a giant Ferris wheel, underscoring the severity of the storm.