Dozens of people were killed in protests in Kazakhstan's largest metropolis, Almaty during the night from Wednesday to Thursday (6 January), according to local police. On Thursday, Russia sent airborne forces to Kazakhstan as part of a "peacekeeping force". According to Moscow, they will be used to guard important buildings and sites, among other things. The Kremlin has not said how many troops have been deployed.

Kazakh President Kasim Jomart Tokayev has dismissed his government after a wave of unprecedented demonstrations in the Central Asian republic, triggered by an increase in energy prices.

Exports to the European Union, were almost half of Turkey's exports, and surged 33% year-over-year to $93.1 billion, enabling Turkey to post a surplus of around $7.7 billion in trade with the bloc. Germany remained the top market, having received $19.3 billion worth of Turkish products throughout the year, followed by the United States with $14.7 billion and the United Kingdom with $13.7 billion. Sales to all the three markets marked the highest annual figures ever.

In an interview with the Turkish newspaper Daily Sabah, Georgia's Ambassador to Turkey, George Janjgava. said on Monday (3 January) that his country will not participate in the next 3+3 Caucasus platform meeting to be held in Turkey.

The Leaders of the Five Nuclear-Weapon States - China, France, Russia, US and UK - have issued a joint statement, "On Preventing Nuclear War and Avoiding Arms Races".

To mark the start of the six-month EU presidency, historic buildings across France were illuminated in the blue of the EU flag on New Year's Eve, including the Elysee Palace and the Eiffel Tower. In a televised address, French president Emanuel Macron said, "You can count on my complete commitment to ensure that this period, which comes around every 13 years, is a time of progress for you."  He listed the top priorities for the French presidency, including border control, European defence, climate change and gender equality.