Diary
ISTANBUL
Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
Netanyahu to appear before court over corruption charges
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to appear before court on Tuesday to respond to corruption charges related to allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Israeli ceasefire breaches in Gaza amid aid shortages
Daily Israeli ceasefire violations in Gaza, including attacks on civilians, destruction of homes, and damage to critical infrastructure amid harsh winter conditions and insufficient humanitarian aid, further worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon despite ceasefire
The nearly daily Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on the pretext of targeting the Lebanese Hezbollah members and infrastructure despite the November 2024 ceasefire deal as the Lebanese army prepares to conclude the first phase of a government plan to place all weapons south of the Litani River under state control.
Turkish president's attendance at TUBITAK awards ceremony
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the 2025 awards ceremony of the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK) and Academy of Sciences (TUBA) at the Bestepe National Congress and Culture Center in Ankara.
Türkiye-Georgia talks
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya will meet with his Georgian counterpart Gela Geladze to discuss fight against criminal organizations and security issues. The ministers are expected to hold news conference.
Türkiye-Azerbajan Investment Forum in Baku
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz will attend the opening program of the 2nd Türkiye-Azerbaijan Investment Forum in Baku. Yilmaz will later meet with the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova. He is also set to participate the General Assembly meeting of the Türkiye's Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association's Azerbaijan branch.
Developments on Ukraine peace talks
Statements and developments regarding US-European talks on Ukraine peace plan as Kyiv held "productive" meetings with American and European partners over three days in the US state of Florida as part of efforts to end the nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war.
Following Greenland-related political developments
Developments in renewed discussions on Greenland after US President Donald Trump appointed Jeff Landry as US special envoy to Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has reiterated the country's previous stance on the issue, saying: "Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders,” while Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said they will summon the US ambassador for an explanation.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold a general meeting of the Russian Commission for UNESCO, where he is expected to assess the current state of cooperation between Russia and the UN cultural body.
CIS permanent representatives to meet in Minsk
A meeting of the Council of Permanent Plenipotentiary Representatives of member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States will take place in Minsk, with eight items on the draft agenda.
The main issue will be summing up the results of Tajikistan’s chairmanship of the CIS in 2025. Council members are also expected to review the body’s activities over the past year and outline plans for the next period.
Developments in Russia-Ukraine military situation
Military developments amid continued fighting in Ukraine. Possible official statements from Russia and Ukraine, as well as defense briefings and verified reports on battlefield developments.
Reactions and developments in Moscow-Kyiv peace negotiations process
Developments and reactions will be followed regarding the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations process amid continued diplomatic contacts and statements from Moscow and Kyiv.
Attention will focus on positions voiced by Russian and Ukrainian officials on conditions for negotiations, ceasefire prospects, and possible formats for future talks.
Russian top diplomat to chair Russia’s UNESCO Commission meeting
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold a general meeting of the Russian Commission for UNESCO, where he is expected to assess the current state of cooperation between Russia and the UN cultural body.
Thailand-Cambodia developments
Developments along Thailand-Cambodia border after the Southeast Asian bloc, ASEAN, urged the two sides to exercise restraint, as the rival militaries are set to meet this week amid ongoing clashes.
China-Japan developments
Developments as Japanese lawmakers continue their visit to Taiwan. Beijing has lodged protest with Tokyo against the trip amid ongoing tensions in the past two months between China and Japan over the island.
UN Security Council to hold sessions on Somalia, Iran nuclear deal
The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution extending the authorization of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia for another year, until Dec. 31, 2026. The council will also hold a briefing on the implementation of the July 2015 resolution that endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program.
ECONOMY
European car market data
European Automobile Manufacturers' Association to release monthly data for the European car market for November.
US economic growth
The US to release gross domestic product growth data for third quarter. In the second quarter, the US economy grew 3.8%. The country will also release industrial production, consumer confidence, and housing market data.
SPECIAL REPORTS
YEAR-ENDER – Türkiye’s top archaeological finds of 2025
Report on Türkiye’s most significant archaeological discoveries in 2025, spanning periods from the Neolithic to the Roman, Byzantine, Abbasid, and medieval eras, as rare mosaics, statues, tombs, and artifacts are uncovered nationwide.
The report highlights discoveries from prehistoric ritual centers and ancient cities to underwater sites, including key finds at Troy, Gobeklitepe, Karahantepe, Perge, and Ephesus.
It places the year’s findings in a broader archaeological and cultural context, illustrating how sustained excavations and new technologies continue to reshape knowledge of Türkiye’s prehistoric and historic civilizations.
FACTBOX - Venezuela’s oil reserves and exports
Report examining Venezuela’s oil sector as tensions with the US intensify, focusing on reserves, production capacity and export flows amid tighter sanctions enforcement.
It details Venezuela’s position as the world’s largest holder of proven crude reserves, concentrated in the Orinoco Belt, the ongoing challenges in ramping up oil output, key export destinations led by China, and limited US imports under special permits, as well as the impact of tanker seizures, shipping risks and rising price volatility.
The factbox draws on data from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, the International Energy Agency, Venezuela’s state oil and gas company, shipping trackers, and statements from Venezuelan officials and US authorities, reflecting developments reported in recent weeks and months.
Mexico’s World Cup mobility push faces backlash in Nuevo Leon
Report on how Monterrey’s chronic mobility crisis collides with a massive infrastructure push ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as residents struggle with long commutes, unreliable public transport, and growing anxiety about how the city will handle next year’s influx of visitors.
The story follows daily commuters and citizens who face the reality of mobility problems in Mexico’s industrial capital, and examines rising environmental and transparency concerns, including criticism over the fast-tracked approval of one subway line that activists say could damage the Santa Catarina River, Monterrey’s main riverbank.
The report spotlights voices from commuters, urban mobility experts, and environmental activists to assess whether Monterrey’s preparations can keep pace with expectations, and what hosting the World Cup may mean for a city already stretched thin.
