14.07.2025 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

Reymonta
5–7 minutes
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  • Jailed PKK leader Ocalan says armed struggle with Turkey is over – 09.07.2025

Since launching an armed insurgency in 1984 with the aim of establishing an independent state in Turkey’s predominantly Kurdish southeast, the PKK has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people and has caused significant economic losses and deep social and political divisions. In a video recorded in June and released by the PKK-affiliated Firat News Agency, the group’s imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan declared the end of the armed struggle and called for a full transition to democratic politics. He urged the Turkish Grand National Assembly to establish a commission to oversee the disarmament process. The pro-Kurdish DEM Party, which has acted as a facilitator in recent months, expressed support for the move and announced that some militants would begin laying down their arms in northern Iraq. President Erdoğan welcomed the development, stating that no attempts to sabotage the process would be allowed. The statement marks a potential turning point, signaling the possibility of a new political phase following decades of violent conflict over the Kurdish issue.

  • Turkey detains hundreds of Erdogan opponents in pursuit of ‘octopus’ of corruption – 10.07.2025

Turkey has witnessed a significant political crackdown targeting the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), with over 500 individuals detained and more than 200 imprisoned in connection with corruption investigations that have intensified since late 2024. These legal actions, including the detention of prominent CHP mayors such as Istanbul’s Ekrem Imamoglu, have been criticized by opposition figures and some analysts as politically motivated efforts to weaken electoral competition ahead of future elections. While the government maintains that the investigations are judicial and independent responses to corruption allegations, critics argue that the probe disproportionately focuses on CHP-run municipalities and undermines democratic pluralism. This situation reflects broader concerns about the balance between judicial processes and political influence in Turkey’s contemporary governance.

  • North Korea’s Kim, hosting Lavrov, says he will support Russia to resolve Ukraine war – 13.07.2025

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated his country’s unconditional support for Russia’s actions regarding the Ukraine conflict during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Wonsan, as reported by North Korean state media. Lavrov’s three-day visit included high-level strategic talks where both sides pledged deeper cooperation under their mutual defense treaty signed last year. North Korea, which has reportedly sent over 10,000 troops and around 12 million rounds of artillery to assist Russia, also plans to deploy thousands of military engineers for reconstruction work in Russia’s Kursk region. In a joint statement, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, North Korea’s Defence Ministry issued a warning of possible military action against South Korea, Japan, and the U.S., following recent joint military exercises involving a U.S. B-52 bomber. Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have significantly strengthened since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

  • Former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari dies at age 82 – 13.07.2025

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, an ex-military general known for his anti-corruption stance, died in London at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness, according to a presidential statement. Nigeria’s current president Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed condolences to Buhari’s family and ordered arrangements for his body to be returned to Nigeria. Buhari, who first came to power through a military coup in 1983 and later served as an elected president from 2015 to 2023, is remembered for his fight against corruption and the Boko Haram insurgency, though critics pointed to his slow policy decisions and limited understanding of modern economic management. His presidency faced significant challenges, including economic crises, currency devaluation issues, and nationwide protests against police brutality. Born in 1942 in northern Nigeria, Buhari served as both a military leader and a civilian president, positioning himself as a “reformed democrat.” While praised by some for his strength of character and integrity, his leadership style was also viewed as rigid and overly cautious in critical policy areas.

  • Kentucky church shooting leaves three dead, including suspect – 14.07.2025

In Lexington, Kentucky, a gunman killed two women and injured two men at Richmond Road Baptist Church before shooting and wounding a state trooper near Blue Grass Airport, after which he was shot dead by police. Authorities stated that one of the injured victims at the church remains in critical condition. While the suspect may have known some of the victims, the exact motive behind the attack remains unclear. The attacker was initially stopped near the airport, opened fire on the trooper, then carjacked a vehicle and drove approximately 16 kilometers to the church, where he began shooting people on the church grounds. During the incident, a security measure was briefly implemented on a road near Blue Grass Airport, but airport operations were not disrupted. Lexington police announced that an internal investigation has been launched regarding the shooting that resulted in the suspect’s death.

  • Wildfire destroys historic Grand Canyon Lodge, North Rim closes for the season – 14.07.2025

The historic Grand Canyon Lodge, located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and in service since 1937, was among 50 to 80 structures destroyed by the fast-moving Dragon Bravo Fire over the weekend in Arizona. Listed as a National Historic Landmark and the only in-park lodging facility in that area, the lodge was lost along with National Park Service administrative buildings and visitor facilities. Fueled by extreme summer heat, low humidity, and strong winds, the fire has burned over 5,000 acres, while a second fire called the White Sage Fire is also threatening the North Rim. Aerial firefighting efforts were conducted to slow the fire’s spread, but a chlorine gas leak at a nearby water treatment plant forced the evacuation of some firefighting personnel due to health risks. Despite the dangers, no deaths or injuries have been reported, and all staff and residents were safely evacuated. The National Park Service announced that the North Rim will remain closed for the rest of the 2025 season. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed sadness over the destruction of the historic lodge and called for a review of the federal government’s emergency response to the wildfire.

  • Trump says US will send Patriot missiles to Ukraine – 14.07.2025

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to send Patriot air defense missiles and other advanced military equipment to Ukraine, stating that such support is necessary to help the country defend itself against ongoing Russian attacks. While not specifying the number of Patriot systems, Trump indicated that the cost would be fully reimbursed by the European Union. His decision marks a shift in stance, as reports suggest he is preparing to authorize the delivery of offensive weapons to Ukraine, although this has not been officially confirmed by the White House. Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for failing to pursue a ceasefire and continuing air strikes against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been requesting additional defensive systems amid frequent Russian missile and drone attacks. Trump is also scheduled to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the coming days to discuss Ukraine and broader security issues.

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