Russian trips to Japan surge in 2025

Russian trips to Japan surge in 2025

People queue at the Japanese Embassy in Moscow for procedures to obtain visas to Japan on Dec. 23, 2025. The number of trips from Russia to Japan doubled to a record 186,000 in the first 11 months of 2025, due to visa procedures remaining easy even after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, compared with stricter requirements imposed by European Union nations.

Russian trips to Japan surge in 2025

Russian trips to Japan surge in 2025

People queue at the Japanese Embassy in Moscow for procedures to obtain visas to Japan on Dec. 23, 2025. The number of trips from Russia to Japan doubled to a record 186,000 in the first 11 months of 2025, due to visa procedures remaining easy even after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, compared with stricter requirements imposed by European Union nations.

Russian trips to Japan surge in 2025

Russian trips to Japan surge in 2025

People queue at the Japanese Embassy in Moscow for procedures to obtain visas to Japan on Dec. 23, 2025. The number of trips from Russia to Japan doubled to a record 186,000 in the first 11 months of 2025, due to visa procedures remaining easy even after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, compared with stricter requirements imposed by European Union nations.

President Alexander Stubb Visit To The Netherlands - Amsterdam

President Alexander Stubb Visit To The Netherlands - Amsterdam

(L to R) Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema together during the two-day visit to the Netherlands by Finland's president in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on December 11, 2025. The trip highlights ongoing collaboration between the two nations and aims to expand dialogue on political and economic relations. Photo by Taim Mouneb/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Alexander Stubb Visit To The Netherlands - Amsterdam

President Alexander Stubb Visit To The Netherlands - Amsterdam

(L to R) Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema together during the two-day visit to the Netherlands by Finland's president in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on December 11, 2025. The trip highlights ongoing collaboration between the two nations and aims to expand dialogue on political and economic relations. Photo by Taim Mouneb/ABACAPRESS.COM

President Alexander Stubb Visit To The Netherlands - Amsterdam

President Alexander Stubb Visit To The Netherlands - Amsterdam

(L to R) Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema together during the two-day visit to the Netherlands by Finland's president in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on December 11, 2025. The trip highlights ongoing collaboration between the two nations and aims to expand dialogue on political and economic relations. Photo by Taim Mouneb/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey and France's centre #23 Kalvin Gourgues during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey and France's centre #23 Kalvin Gourgues during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France v Australia - Rugby Union Test Match - Paris

France's wing #11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey during the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union test match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on November 22, 2025. Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga Forces Undergo Command Training - Iraq

Peshmerga fighters participate in the 18th Command Course for the 80th Forces at the Infantry Training Base in Erbil on July 27, 2025. The training marks a key step in the ongoing reform and unification process of the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. As part of this strategic reform, military units from the 70th and 80th Forces are being reorganized and integrated into unified divisions under the ministry’s command structure. The Ministry of Peshmerga plans to restructure into two regional military commands and 11 infantry divisions to enhance professionalism, effectiveness, and cohesion across the force. This transformation is supported by the United States and allied nations aiming to modernize the Kurdish military apparatus and ensure greater regional stability. The training in Erbil reflects a broader effort to depoliticize and standardize Kurdish military institutions. Photo by Gailan Haji/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Meets Antonio Guterres - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV Meets Antonio Guterres - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV meets Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations at the Vatican on June 11, 2025. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Meets Antonio Guterres - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV Meets Antonio Guterres - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV meets Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations at the Vatican on June 11, 2025. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Meets Antonio Guterres - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV Meets Antonio Guterres - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV meets Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations at the Vatican on June 11, 2025. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Meets Antonio Guterres - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV Meets Antonio Guterres - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV meets Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations at the Vatican on June 11, 2025. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Meets Antonio Guterres - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV Meets Antonio Guterres - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV meets Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations at the Vatican on June 11, 2025. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo XIV Meets Antonio Guterres - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV Meets Antonio Guterres - Vatican

Pope Leo XIV meets Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations at the Vatican on June 11, 2025. Photo by (EV) Vatican Media/ABACAPRESS.COM

France Players arrives for Training - Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines

France Players arrives for Training - Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines

France #11 Michael Olise arrives at the Centre National du Football in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, southwest of Paris, on May 30, 2025, to take part in the France team training prior the UEFA nations league. Photo by Raphael Lafargue/ABACAPRESS.COM