Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Monday, Jan 26, 2026

Global Tensions Highlighted: Turkiye Mediation Between Somalia and Ethiopia, Russian Strikes in Ukraine, and Escalating Middle East Conflicts

Turkiye Mediates Somalia-Ethiopia Maritime Dispute Amid Heightened Tensions
Turkiye is stepping in once again to mediate between Somalia and Ethiopia over a maritime dispute, according to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, with both parties set for separate talks to ease tensions. This follows a controversial deal Ethiopia struck with Somaliland, which has worsened relations with Somalia. Turkiye hopes its continued efforts will bring a resolution closer.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russian airstrikes have targeted a geriatric center in Sumy and the nation's energy sector, claiming one life and injuring twelve others. These attacks draw significant international condemnation, with the UN labeling them potential breaches of humanitarian law. Despite these setbacks, President Zelensky has assured that Ukrainian forces have repelled Russian advances in Donetsk, although the situation in Sumy remains dire.

Turning to the Middle East, US officials have indicated that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is improbable before President Biden's term concludes in January. Persistent challenges, such as Israel's military presence in the Philadelphi corridor and hostage exchanges, continue to hamper peace efforts. The conflict remains intense, aggravated by violent events since October, leading to substantial casualties and displacement in the region.

In the United States, former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump has criticized the Federal Reserve's half-point interest rate cut, describing it as "a political move." Trump argues that a smaller reduction would have been more suitable. The Federal Reserve, aiming to influence economic measures, has made this significant decision amidst political debates.

Against this backdrop of global turmoil, world leaders are gathering at the United Nations in New York to address a gamut of crises, from the Gaza war and Middle East tensions to Sudan's famine and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. High-profile attendees, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, and Palestine's Mahmud Abbas, will engage in discussions, marking a pivotal moment in international diplomacy.

Lastly, in a dramatic twist, two Colombian nationals, Alexander Ante and Jose Medina, who had fought against Russian forces in Ukraine, were arrested in Venezuela and transferred to a Russian prison on mercenary charges. The men vanished mid-July while traveling through Caracas to Colombia, and their families insist they were official recruits of the Ukrainian government. The Colombian government is now seeking clarity from Russia regarding their status.
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