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There's no deal until there's a deal, says Trump
Trump and Putin have finished addressing the media in Anchorage. Both leaders described the talks as productive, and during a brief appearance before the media following the nearly three-hour meeting in Alaska, they said they had made progress on unspecified issues. But neither man offered details on the talks or took questions from reporters. "We've made some headway," Trump said, standing in front of a backdrop that read, "Pursuing Peace." "There's no deal until there's a deal," he added. The talks did not initially appear to have produced meaningful steps toward a ceasefire in the deadliest conflict in Europe in 80 years, a goal Trump had set ahead of the summit. Donald Trump says he and Putin had a productive meeting and that they made "some headway." He says he will call Nato allies and others, including Ukraine's Zelensky. He says a deal is "ultimately" up to them and they will have to agree. There's no deal until there's a deal, he says, adding that "great progress" was made but "we didn't get there". "I've always had a fantastic relationship with President Putin. Vladimir," Trump says, switching to the president's first name. He calls their meeting "extremely productive," but adds that some things are still to be decided. But we have a "very good chance" of further progress, he says. Putin, who made no mention of meeting Zelenskiy when speaking to reporters earlier, said he expected Ukraine and its European allies to accept the U.S.-Russia negotiation constructively and not try to "disrupt the emerging progress." Some key quotes from Putin's statement after the meeting with Trump on Friday. Translation by Reuters. ON RUSSIA-U.S. TIES "The past period was very difficult for bilateral relations. And, let's be honest, they have slid to the lowest point since the Cold War. And this is not good for our countries, or the world as a whole. Obviously, sooner or later, it was necessary to correct the situation, to move from confrontation to dialogue." ON UKRAINE "We see the desire of the U.S. administration and President Trump personally to facilitate the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict, his desire to delve into the essence and understand its origins." "All of Russia's legitimate concerns must be taken into account, and a fair balance in the security sphere in Europe and the world as a whole must be restored." "I agree with President Trump — he spoke about this today — that Ukraine's security must, without a doubt, be ensured. We are ready to work on this." "We expect that Kyiv and the European capitals will perceive all of this in a constructive manner and will not create any obstacles." ON ECONOMIC TIES "It is obvious that Russian-American business and investment partnership has enormous potential. Russia and the United States have something to offer each other in trade, energy, the digital sphere, high tech and space exploration." "I expect that today's agreements will become a reference point not only for solving the Ukrainian problem, but will also launch the restoration of business-like, pragmatic relations between Russia and the United States." ON COOPERATION WITH TRUMP "Overall we have established very good business-like and trusting contact with President Trump. And I have every reason to believe that by moving along this path, we can - the quicker the better - reach an end to the conflict in Ukraine." In a Fox News interview after the talks, Trump suggested a meeting would now be set up between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, which he might also attend, and said Ukraine needed to make a deal.
Zelensky to meet Trump in Washington on Monday after summit with Putin ends without deal
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky will head to Washington on Monday to discuss "ending the killing and the war" with US President Donald Trump, he announced on Saturday, August 16. Zelensky said so after holding a call with Trump, during which the US leader informed him about the "main points" of his talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin in Alaska. "On Monday, I will meet with President Trump in Washington, DC, to discuss all of the details regarding ending the killing and the war," Zelensky said. "I am grateful for the invitation." Zelensky said he had a "long and substantive conversation with Trump," which began as a one-on-one talk, before being joined by European leaders. The Washington meeting is set to take place three days after Trump's talks with Putin in Alaska ended with no ceasefire announcement or apparent breakthrough to end Moscow's more than three-year-long invasion. The day after the US-Russia summit, Zelensky called for Kyiv's European allies to be involved at "every stage" of talks. He also reiterated that he would be ready for a trilateral meeting with Trump and Putin, something that Kyiv has been pushing for but which the Kremlin has been resisting. "Ukraine emphasizes that key issues can be discussed at the level of leaders, and a trilateral format is suitable for this," Zelensky said. A European Commission spokesperson said that following his talks with Putin, Trump also spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. European leadeers held a second call afterwards to discuss the next steps in the Ukraine conflict, the spokesperson said.
The U.S. Department of State has published a report on human rights in Georgia
Throughout the year, among the significant negative developments regarding human rights in Georgia was the enactment of the so-called “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence,” according to the 2024 Human Rights Report on Georgia published by the U.S. Department of State. The document emphasizes that, according to credible non-governmental organizations, the so-called “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence” restricted freedom of expression and association. Additionally, the report notes that other significant negative developments in terms of human rights included the so-called “Law on Family Values and Protection of Minors,” which criminalized certain forms of expression, as well as a campaign of intimidation, coercion, and misuse of administrative resources that restricted freedom of expression, particularly in connection with the October parliamentary elections. The document highlights that significant human rights issues included credible reports of: “torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; arbitrary arrests or detentions; serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including violence and threats of violence against citizens and journalists, unjust arrests and criminal prosecutions of journalists, and the chilling effect of the so-called transparency and family values laws.” The document notes that the government took steps to investigate and punish some officials involved in human rights violations, but impunity remained a problem. Furthermore, the report addresses Georgia’s occupied regions, specifically noting that in 2024, the regions of Abkhazia and the so-called South Ossetia, occupied by Russia, remained outside the control of the central government, with de facto authorities supported by Russian forces. “Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia remained outside central-government control, and de facto authorities were supported by Russian forces. Significant human rights issues in the occupied regions included credible reports of arbitrary arrest and detention. Russian and de facto authorities in both regions committed abuses with impunity,” the document states. The report also addresses press freedom, noting that the constitution and law provided for freedom of expression, including for the press and other media representatives. However, journalists, non-governmental organizations, and the international community expressed serious concerns about the government’s respect for freedom of expression. “These concerns focused on the worsening environment and legislation for media pluralism, as well as violence and threats of violence against journalists. The Foreign Influence law (FIL), which was enacted on May 28, required civil society organizations (CSOs) and media that received at least 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as “objects of foreign influence.” Restrictions on access to information also continued to be a concern. NGOs reported previous criminal investigations of illegal government surveillance of journalists remained pending,” the report states. The document notes that from April to June, during large-scale protests in Tbilisi against the so-called “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence,” and from November 28 to December, during demonstrations in support of the European Union, several journalists reported that police attacked them, harassed them, used “pepper spray,” or damaged their equipment. “On December 7, more than 30 titushki (unidentified assailants typically dressed in all black with their faces covered) physically assaulted protesters and then turned to attack TV Pirveli journalist Maka Chikhladze and camera operator Georgi Shetsiruli, who were filming them. After beating Chikhladze and Shetsiruli to the ground, they took away all Shetsiruli’s belongings. According to Chikhladze and witnesses, patrol police standing nearby did not react or intervene to stop the attack. A video posted by civil.ge (the Tbilisi-based daily news website run by Georgian NGO UN Association of Georgia), allegedly taken minutes before titushki attacked journalists, showed signs of coordination between police and assailants. Social media also documented several reported instances of patrol police not intervening when alleged titushki assaulted media and demonstrators, and in some cases appeared to direct or cooperate with titushki. Journalists and activists reported receiving harassing and threatening telephone calls and instances of vandalism against their homes and offices, including offensive posters and damage to vehicles. The government investigated unauthorized access to citizens’ telephone numbers linked to these events. The media ombudsman identified 15 cases of rights violations and restrictions involving 15 journalists covering protests against the FIL in front of and surrounding parliament in April and May. Several international media watchdogs, along with the media ombudsman and the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Safety of Journalists, reported at least 30 violations of media freedom during October 26 elections, including damage to equipment, verbal or physical attacks, and intimidation. The government had not investigated these reports by year’s end,” the document states. According to the report, in late November and throughout December, “In late November and throughout December, authorities or unidentified assailants believed to be acting on behalf of the ruling Georgian Dream party violently targeted dozens of media professionals covering protests. The attacks included beatings and exposure to pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons. Reported severe injuries included fractured vertebrae, facial fractures, and chemical burns; several journalists required hospitalization.” The document notes that government officials were not held accountable for the violence and harassment. “Media organizations continued to express concern over the Tbilisi Court of Appeals’ decision to reduce sentences for individuals responsible for violence against peaceful demonstrators in 2021, who were granted amnesty on November 16 based on a bill passed by the ruling party. None of the organizers of these attacks were charged,” the document states.
President Erdogan: Türkiye, Georgia to work 'shoulder to shoulder' for regional cooperation, peace
Türkiye and Georgia will continue to work "shoulder to shoulder" for regional cooperation, peace, and development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday at a joint press conference with his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Kavelashvili. Erdogan stressed the strategic importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway, calling it “the backbone of the Middle Corridor,” and noted its significance as it begins operating at full capacity. Erdogan stressed that the bilateral trade volume has surpassed $3 billion in recent years, adding: “We are steadily moving toward our new goal of $5 billion.” President Erdogan also expressed hope that their strategic partnership would deepen further with public backing.
Russia's Saratov oil refinery halts operations after Ukrainian drone strike, Bloomberg reports
An oil refinery in Russia's Saratov Oblast owned by the Russian energy giant Rosneft has halted oil intake following a Ukrainian drone attack, Bloomberg reported on Aug. 11, citing a source familiar with the situation. The refinery was hit by drones on Aug. 10, with local witnesses reporting a large fire and explosions at the facility. The strike killed one person and injured others, according to Saratov Oblast Governor Roman Busargin. The Saratov refinery has now stopped oil intake, according to Bloomberg's source. The Rosneft facility has a processing capacity of 140,000 barrels of crude per day, meaning a lengthy operational pause could impact domestic gasoline supplies. Russia has already been attempting to stabilize the gasoline market amid surging prices, which are likely also exacerbated by Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure. Ukraine regularly launches long-range drone attacks on industrial and military facilities in Russia. Oil refineries, which fund and supply Moscow's war machine, are frequent targets. While Kyiv rarely claims official credit for its attacks on Russian refineries, the Ukrainian military confirmed that it struck the Rosneft refinery in Saratov Oblast in February 2025. Officials have not commented on the latest reported strike. The Saratov plant is the third Russian oil refinery to cut operations this month due to Ukrainian strikes. Russia's Ryazan refinery halved its production and the Novokuibyshevsk refinery halted it completely on Aug. 2 after drone attacks, according to Reuters.
Apple to integrate Siri with WhatsApp, Uber, and other apps: What users can expect
Apple is testing an updated version of its Siri voice assistant with deep integration into popular third-party apps such as WhatsApp, Uber, AllTrails, Threads, Temu, Amazon, YouTube, and Facebook. This was reported by Bloomberg insider Mark Gurman in an article for MacRumors. The new Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence and an improved App Intents system, promises revolutionary voice control — but its launch is planned only for spring 2026. Here’s what users can expect, what limitations may arise, and how this will affect the Apple ecosystem.
Azerbaijan and Armenia sign peace deal at White House summit with Trump
The leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia signed an agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict as they were hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan shook hands after the US president described the event as "historic". "It's been a long time coming," Trump said of the agreement, which will reopen some key transport routes between the countries and increase US influence in the region. Azerbaijan and Armenia fought over Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnically Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan, in the 1980s and 1990s and violence has flared up in the years since. On Friday, Trump said Armenia and Azerbaijan had promised to stop all fighting "forever" as well as open up travel, business and diplomatic relations. "We are today establishing peace in the Caucasus," Aliyev said. "We lost a lot of years being preoccupied with wars and occupation and bloodshed." Pashinyan called the signing a "significant milestone" in relations between the two countries. "Thirty-five years they fought, and now they're friends and they're going to be friends a long time," Trump said at the event. The White House said that, as part of the deal, the US will also help build a major transit corridor that will be named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. The route will connect Azerbaijan and its autonomous Nakhchivan exclave, which are separated by Armenian territory. In the past, Aliyev has demanded that Armenia give his country a railroad corridor to Nakhichevan. Armenia wanted to have control of the road and the Azerbaijani leader has in the past threatened to take the corridor by force. The issue has halted and stalled previous peace negotiations. Both leaders praised Trump and his team throughout the meeting: "President Trump, in six months, did a miracle," Aliyev said. Trump said he had also signed a bilateral agreement with both countries to expand energy and technology trade. The US president has sought to make peace deals between several warring countries during his second term. The summit on Friday also signifies the US expanding its influence in the region at the expense of Russia. For more than a century, the Kremlin has played the role of power and peace broker there. Most recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin himself has acted as the main mediator in the conflict. The last agreement signed by Aliyev and Pashinyan was crafted by Putin. With Trump now bringing the two countries together, Putin is largely sidelined. Moscow has worked to insert its interests into peace talks, but both sides abandoned those proposals in favour of an American solution. The announcement on Friday came shortly before Trump announced that he would meet Putin for talks in Alaska next week.
Trump orders nuclear submarines moved near Russia after 'foolish and inflammatory statements' from Medvedev
Trump orders nuclear submarines moved near Russia after 'foolish and inflammatory statements' from Medvedev Donald Trump has said he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in regions near Russia in response to threats from former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, who said on Thursday that Trump should remember Moscow had Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities. Trump said in a post on Truth Social: Based on the highly provocative statements of the Former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, who is now the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that. Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
Türkiye–Kazakhstan railway deal to boost freight transport volume via Middle Corridor
Türkiye and Kazakhstan signed a railway cooperation deal that aims to increase freight transport capacity and service quality along the Middle Corridor, Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said. The agreement, concluded during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s recent visit to Türkiye, was hailed by both sides as a milestone in strategic logistics cooperation. “We will launch regular block train services between Türkiye and Kazakhstan, and freight traffic on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line will increase,” Uraloglu told Anadolu. He said the agreement would enable two-way cargo movement on China–Europe and China–Africa routes, support multi-modal infrastructure, and implement competitive tariffs to attract more freight operators. The deal also includes collaboration in key areas such as digitalization, customs streamlining, and joint investment initiatives. “Equipment transfer, know-how sharing, simplified customs procedures, and the wider use of digital tools in transport documentation are among the focus areas,” Uraloglu said. He added that the agreement aims to boost the global logistics roles of both Türkiye and Kazakhstan, strengthen the Middle Corridor’s competitiveness, and deepen regional economic integration.
Ukraine signs first Transbalkan gas deal with Azerbaijan's SOCAR
Ukraine's state-owned oil and gas major Naftogaz has signed its first deal with Azerbaijan's SOCAR to import a small volume of Azeri-origin natural gas via the Transbalkan route, it said on Monday. "For the first time, a test shipment of gas is being delivered through the Transbalkan route along the Bulgaria–Romania–Ukraine corridor," Naftogaz said in a statement on its website.
State Department approves possible sale of HAWK Phase III Missile System to Ukraine
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine of HAWK Phase III Missile System and Sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of $172 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress. The Government of Ukraine has requested to buy sustainment related articles and services for the HAWK missile system, including: five-ton cargo trucks; HAWK system spare parts; refurbishment and system overhaul of HAWK air defense fire units; tool kits; test equipment; support equipment; technical documentation; training; U.S. Government and contractor technical and field office support; U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance; storage containers and equipment related to spare parts storage; MIM-23 HAWK missile spare parts and missile repair; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total program cost is $172 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the ability of Ukraine to provide for its own defense. This proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions with a more robust air defense capability. Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractors will be Sielman Corporation, located in Volos, Greece; RTX Corporation, located in Andover, MA; and PROJECTXYZ, located in Huntsville, AL. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. Implementation of this proposed sale will require temporary duty travel of an estimated five U.S. Government and fifteen contractor representatives to Ukraine. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.
Türkiye, UK sign memorandum of understanding on Eurofighter Typhoon cooperation
Turkish Defense Minister Guler and UK Defense Secretary Healey on Wednesday signed a full memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Türkiye’s acceptance as a Eurofighter Typhoon operator. The MoU was signed during the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul, according to Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense. “The Defense Ministers have today jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This document codifies the relationship between the countries, taking them one step closer to a full agreement on Typhoon. Both Ministers welcome signature as a positive step towards bringing Türkiye into the Typhoon club and share a mutual ambition to conclude the necessary arrangements as soon as possible,” the ministry said in a statement. “The Defense Ministers of the Republic of Türkiye and the United Kingdom welcomed the opportunity to meet at the 17th International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul today and reaffirmed the strength of the Türkiye-UK partnership. "They underscored the importance of the two countries’ longstanding defense cooperation, including collaboration through NATO and growing ties in defense industry and security. Both Ministers committed to deepening this strategic partnership in support of the Alliance’s collective deterrence,” the ministry said. “The two nations continue to make excellent progress on the export of Eurofighter Typhoon. Welcoming Türkiye as a Typhoon operator would build on the bonds of friendship developed over many decades between key NATO Allies and would be a significant step towards enhancing Türkiye’s advanced combat air capabilities. "This will mark the start of a new chapter in the Türkiye-UK partnership, working together to strengthen capability collaboration and supporting both countries' defense industries through the reciprocal purchase of world-leading equipment,” it added.
Trump says Armenia and Azerbaijan ‘pretty close’ to peace deal
US President Donald Trump has said that Armenia and Azerbaijan are “pretty close” to a peace deal. Speaking at a White House dinner with GOP senators, Trump listed his administration’s achievements in settling conflicts globally and also mentioned Armenia-Azerbaijan, emphasizing that the United States has “worked magic there.” “Armenia and Azerbaijan, we worked magic there. And, it's pretty close. If not, it's already done,” Trump said in televised remarks. Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1225218
America’s High-Stakes Bet On Zangezur: How A U.S.-Led Corridor Could Slash Europe’s Energy Costs And Counter Russia - Forbes
Forbes In a world scrambling for non-Russian energy amid escalating global tensions, could a 43-km strip of Armenian land become America's masterstroke against Moscow and Tehran? The US's bold bid to lease the Zangezur Corridor for a century promises $50-100 billion in annual trade flows—but risks igniting a new Cold War flashpoint in the Caucasus. The United States has thrust itself into the center of a high-stakes diplomatic gamble that could fundamentally alter energy flows across Eurasia. Through its ambitious proposal for the Zangezur Corridor—a strategic 43-kilometer passage through Armenia's Syunik province—Washington aims to break decades-old deadlocks, diversify Europe's energy supplies away from Russia, and counter the growing influence of Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran in a critical transit region. The initiative reflects America's broader ambition to exploit a rare power vacuum in the South Caucasus, a region historically dominated by Russia but now ripe for realignment following Moscow's stark failure to protect its ally Armenia during Azerbaijan's decisive September 2023 offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh. Strategic Realignment in the Caucasus Russia's credibility as a security guarantor in the South Caucasus lies in ruins. Despite the presence of Russian peacekeepers established under the November 2020 ceasefire agreement, Moscow failed to intervene when Azerbaijan retook control of Nagorno-Karabakh, displacing 100,000 ethnic Armenians. This inaction was perceived in Yerevan as a profound betrayal, shattering faith in Russian security guarantees and catalyzing Armenia's historic pivot westward. The Economic Prize The potential economic rewards are vast enough to override political and security concerns. World Bank modeling suggests the corridor could unlock $50-100 billion in annual trade value by 2027. This surge would be driven by dramatic logistical improvements—Bloomberg data from May 2025 indicates the route could cut Europe-Asia transit times by 12-15 days compared to existing routes. The return on investment appears compelling. The Caspian Policy Center estimates infrastructure costs of $3-5 billion over 5-10 years, while Oxford Economics models project $20-30 billion in annual logistics savings. For Azerbaijan, the Center for Economic Reforms Analysis and Communication projects the corridor would increase total exports by over $700 million and boost non-oil GDP by 2 percent annually. Energy flows underscore the urgency. Azerbaijan's Southern Gas Corridor delivered 12 billion cubic meters to Europe in 2023, targeting 20 billion by 2027 under a 2022 EU memorandum. Kazakhstan plans to transit increasing oil volumes through Azerbaijan, with actual flows reaching 1.2 million tons between January and October 2024, despite technical challenges limiting capacity. For European energy security, the implications are profound. The IEA's 2025 World Energy Outlook projects Europe needs 20 billion cubic meters more non-Russian gas by 2030. Normalized Armenia-Turkey borders could enhance access to Caspian reserves, potentially cutting import costs by 10-15 percent for firms like BP. The Diplomatic Innovation The core challenge lies in irreconcilable positions: Azerbaijan demands an unimpeded corridor as dividends from its 2023 military victory, while Armenia adamantly refuses to cede sovereignty over what it views as critical territory. The US "lease" proposal represents a creative attempt to use corporate-legal frameworks to circumvent this deadlock, offering Baku security guarantees while allowing Yerevan to maintain nominal sovereignty. This approach draws inspiration from historical precedents where creative governance arrangements solved seemingly intractable disputes. Like the Panama Canal under US administration from 1914-1999, the model promises to facilitate global trade while addressing security concerns. Yet critics warn of potential neo-colonial overtones and the risk of long-term backlash. The March 2025 peace agreement drafts marked significant progress, finalizing terms on mutual territorial recognition, border delimitation, and non-use of force. However, they stalled on transport guarantees and enclave access—precisely where the US proposal seeks to break through. Geopolitical Calculations and Rival Responses The corridor's success would fundamentally alter regional power dynamics, explaining why rival powers are recalibrating their strategies. Iran faces the prospect of losing 20-30 percent of its transit role, disrupting critical trade lifelines including the 43,000 Turkish trucks that pass annually to Central Asia. Russia confronts potential revenue losses of $10-20 billion over a decade and a 10-15 percent erosion of its leverage over European energy markets. China, meanwhile, eyes $20-30 billion in Belt and Road efficiencies by 2030 through improved connectivity. Yet Beijing must balance these gains against the risk of reduced dependence on Chinese-controlled routes. The corridor could position Turkey as a critical energy hub with direct access to Turkic states, potentially capturing $10-15 billion in annual transit revenues by 2030. Energy majors are positioning for opportunity. SOCAR expands pipeline capacity while ADNOC explores hydrogen joint ventures. BP and Chevron project $5-10 billion in upstream investment boosts from expanded export capacity. However, political stalemates could inflate project costs by 20 percent, while regulatory delays might push timelines beyond viable investment windows. The Turkish Dimension and Regional Reset Turkey's strategic calculus adds complexity to the equation. Ankara explores Kurdish de-escalation through PKK dialogues, signaling a "big reset" that could stabilize borders and unlock economic potential. This diplomatic thaw, if successful, could complement the Zangezur initiative by creating a more stable regional environment for major infrastructure projects. Turkish businesses in eastern Anatolian provinces project a 310 percent increase in export capacity—from $160 million to $500 million annually—if the corridor materializes. This economic momentum provides powerful incentives for sustained diplomatic engagement, even amid domestic political sensitivities. Risks and Implementation Challenges Despite compelling economics, significant risks persist. Observers assign a 60 percent probability to stalled talks, potentially delaying implementation by 12-18 months. Lloyd's data from June 2025 warns of 20 percent commodity volatility if negotiations fail, while insurance premiums could spike 20 percent. Armenia has explicitly denied discussions regarding any lease or transfer of territorial control. Press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan stated firmly that "Armenia has not discussed and is not discussing the transfer of control over its sovereign territory to any third party." This resistance highlights the fundamental challenge facing US mediators. The feasibility of international oversight remains uncertain. CSIS analyses estimate only 40-50 percent success probability even with UN guarantees, vulnerable to Armenian vetoes over perceived sovereignty encroachment. The model's success depends on addressing core security concerns while maintaining sufficient international legitimacy. Strategic Implications More than an infrastructure development project, the Zangezur initiative represents a broader test of American diplomatic creativity in an increasingly multipolar world. Success would demonstrate Washington's ability to forge solutions that counter rival influence while serving tangible economic interests. Failure could signal diminished US capacity to shape outcomes in contested regions. For European allies, the corridor offers a pathway toward genuine energy diversification. EU energy savings could reach $20-30 billion by 2030, supporting net-zero transitions while reducing dependence on authoritarian suppliers. These gains explain why European capitals quietly support the American initiative despite public caution about regional tensions. The project also tests whether economic incentives can overcome historical grievances. Armenia's potential access to $2.5 billion in EU development funds creates powerful inducements for compromise, yet only if sovereignty concerns receive adequate consideration. The Path Forward By 2027, successful implementation could yield $20-50 billion in annual trade flows through enhanced Middle Corridor capacity. The World Bank estimates potential cargo capacity of 11 million tons, fundamentally altering Eurasian logistics. Yet this prize remains contingent on navigating Armenian sensitivities while maintaining international support. Corporate leaders must still hedge against Zangezur uncertainties through diversified strategies, capturing potential 10-15 percent gains through Azerbaijani-Turkish partnerships while preparing contingencies for diplomatic failure. Companies should actively engage US mediators to help navigate sovereignty risks while positioning for eventual success. The US-led Zangezur proposal carries high stakes in a world where great power competition increasingly shapes regional outcomes. Success hinges on addressing legitimate sovereignty concerns while unlocking transformative economic potential, testing whether American diplomatic innovation can still reshape the global order.
EU eases Schengen visa rules for Turks; envoy urges further moves
The European Union has eased rules for Turks to use its open-border Schengen area, the bloc's ambassador to Ankara said on Friday, calling for the urgent revival of negotiations on visa-free travel for Turks. For years, Turks have complained about the EU's visa system. The EU has said the processes - managed by accredited visa agencies - have been slow due to the high number of applications and that it is discussing possible workarounds with Ankara.
US will prohibit visas for Georgian officials for 'undermining democracy'
The U.S. will prohibit the issuing of visas for about 20 people responsible for "undermining democracy in Georgia," including government ministers, parliament members and security officials, the State Department said on Thursday. The department's statement did not name the people who would be prohibited from receiving U.S. visas. Hundreds of people have been arrested in Georgia since nightly protests broke out almost two weeks ago against a decision by the ruling Georgian Dream party to delay the country`s longstanding goal of joining the European Union. "The United States strongly condemns the Georgian Dream party's ongoing, brutal, and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, including protesters, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures," the State Department said. It added the department was "preparing additional actions, including sanctions, to hold to account those who undermine democracy in Georgia."
Zurabishvili discusses the ongoing developments with the US President-elect Donald Trump
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili is in Paris, France, for the opening of the restored Notre Dame cathedral, an event attended by many world leaders, including the President-elect Donald Trump. On December 7 President Zurabishvili met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She also released information about meetings with the President of France Emmanuel Macron, US President-elect Donald Trump, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Polish President Andrzej Duda. The visit of the Georgian President to Paris took place amidst the massive popular protests in Georgia against the Georgian Dream government decision to postpone accession negotiations process with EU. Ukrainian President wrote: “I expressed Ukraine’s full support and solidarity with the Georgian people, who are fighting for their dignified future, and emphasized that respecting the will of the Georgian people and preventing Ivanishvili’s government from surrendering the country to Putin is essential for the stability and future of the region.” He further noted that for Russia, this is not just about Georgia adding that “it is about control of the Black Sea region – a strategic Russian goal that poses a threat to the national security of everyone in the region and across Europe.” President Zelenskyy assured President Zurabishvili that “Ukraine will coordinate with partners, not just in Europe but globally, to deliver a systemic response and support the Georgian people in defending their right to live freely and independently.” While on a visit in Paris, Salome Zurabishvili had opportunity to discuss the ongoing developments with the US President-elect Donald Trump. Georgian President said she had an in-depth discussion with President Trump and President Macron. She stated: “I exposed the stolen elections and the extremely alarming repression against the Georgian people. I emphasized the need for a strong United States. The Georgian people have a friend in Donald Trump. God bless the United States of America.” President Zurabishvili wrote she had an excellent discussion with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and discussed with her “the alarming repression undergoing in Georgia.” Following the meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Salome Zurabishvili thanked the Polish President for standing with Georgia “personally and on behalf of the Polish nation at all times, especially during these dark hours of repression and terror. We trust and believe that Georgians with Poland’s support, will prevail and our shared European future will unite us!” the President said on X.
UK Halts Aid and limits engagement with Georgian Government
The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced the suspension of all program support to the Georgian government, as well as restrictions on defense cooperation and engagement with the Georgian government in response to the recent crackdown on protests in Georgia. In an issued statement, Lammy condemned the “shocking scenes of violence towards protestors and journalists” by Georgian authorities, saying the actions are “unacceptable and must stop.” “The shocking scenes of violence towards protestors and journalists by the Georgian authorities are unacceptable and must stop. These actions tarnish Georgia’s international standing and fly in the face of Georgia’s constitutional commitment to a European future. In light of ongoing events, the UK will immediately suspend all programme support to the Georgian government, restrict defence cooperation, and limit engagement with representatives of Georgian Dream government until there is a halt to this move away from European democratic norms and freedoms. The UK will continue to stand by the people of Georgia in supporting their right to choose their country’s future,” the Foreign Secretary stated. Amid ongoing pro-EU protests in Georgia, sparked by the Georgian Dream government’s decision to postpone EU accession until 2028, several international developments have occurred. On November 28, after the October 26 elections, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, announced that the Swedish government would halt direct cooperation with the Georgian government. Subsequently, on November 30, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the United States had suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia due to the Georgian Dream government’s decision to delay EU accession. Additionally, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, announced that no new development cooperation projects with Georgia would be approved or commissioned, and no loan agreements would be signed. These measures reflect growing international concerns over Georgia’s move away from the European path.
