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Doha Forum, in collaboration with the International Crisis Group, convened an expert panel discussion in Brussels on Thursday, titled "Fault Lines and Frontlines: Intersecting Conflict Theatres in the Middle East and Europe." The event, held at the Embassy of the State of Qatar, brought together diplomats, officials, and policy experts for a timely discussion on the growing interconnection between conflict dynamics across both regions.As geopolitical tensions deepen and conflict theatres become increasingly interdependent, the session examined how developments in one region influence the security, economic, and humanitarian landscapes of the other. Panelists discussed the implications of shifting alliances, energy interdependence, and the role of major and regional powers — from the United States and the European Union to Turkiye and the Gulf states — in navigating these complex and overlapping challenges.The event featured opening remarks by Executive Vice President of the International Crisis Group Richard Atwood, and His Excellency Executive Director of the Doha Forum Mubarak Ajlan Al Kuwari.Panelists included: Permanent Delegate of Turkiye to the EU Ambassador Faruk Kaymakci; Special Envoy for the Middle East at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Johan Verkammen; Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Ambassador Helene Le Gal; and Deputy Executive Director of the European Institute of Peace Stine Lehman-Larsen.HE Executive Director of Doha Forum, said: "Doha Forum is committed to fostering dialogue that bridges regions, perspectives, and disciplines. The dynamics connecting Europe and the Middle East underscore the importance of collective understanding and cooperative diplomacy. Events like this help strengthen mutual engagement and advance more inclusive, effective approaches to conflict prevention and resolution."Meanwhile, Executive Vice President, International Crisis Group said: "We are a proud partner of the Doha Forum. We are pleased that this year, which marks Crisis Group's 30th anniversary, we also have the opportunity to co-host a side-event with the Doha Forum in Brussels. Specifically, we felt it was important to discuss the growing interdependence of conflict theatres in the Middle East and Europe and identify opportunities for cross-regional collaboration to better prevent and resolve conflicts."The Doha Forum - International Crisis Group event took place ahead of Doha Forum 2025, which will be held in Doha from 6 to 7 December under the theme "Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress."The Doha Forum is a leading global platform that brings together leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, civil society representatives, and thought leaders to exchange visions and work together to find innovative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges.The Forum's vision is based on the values ​​of integrity, inclusivity, innovation, respect for diversity of viewpoints, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared progress.The last edition of the Doha Forum was held in December 2024, under the theme "The Innovation Imperative," with over 5,000 participants from over 162 countries, including over 350 speakers, attending the two-day event.

Russia's Defense Ministry announced Sunday its forces had downed 361 Ukrainian drones and conducted a series of coordinated strikes on Ukrainian military positions along active frontlines.The ministry added in a statement that Russian operational—tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops, and artillery units carried out attacks on 142 locations, including training centers for drone operators and temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed formations.According to the statement, Russian air defense systems also intercepted four guided aerial bombs, a HIMARS missile, and the 361 unmanned aerial vehicles.The ministry reported that Russian forces targeted Ukrainian units in multiple areas of Donetsk, resulting in the loss of over 450 Ukrainian troops, along with combat vehicles and field artillery systems.Additionally, Russia's Northern Group of forces reportedly advanced deeper into Ukrainian defenses in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, inflicting further losses. The ministry estimated around 170 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, and several tanks, armored vehicles, field artillery, two electronic warfare stations, and six ammunition depots were destroyed.Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities claimed earlier on Sunday that their air defense units had intercepted or neutralized 52 Russian drones across the country's north, south, east, and central regions.Since the onset of the conflict on February 24, 2022, Russia and Ukraine have regularly issued conflicting battlefield reports, with most claims remaining unverified by independent sources.