It was reported that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) appointed direct trustees for 24 companies owned by 101 individuals and supervisory trustees for 28 companies.

It was learned that trustees were appointed to 24 companies within the scope of investigations in which Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and about 100 others were detained on March 19. According to a report in Habertürk, among the companies that were assigned trustees are İmamoğlu Construction, Nuhoğlu Construction, ASOY Construction, and Karsal Knitting Inc. The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office had opened an investigation against İmamoğlu and those detained with him on charges of "being a leader of a criminal organization," "being a member of a criminal organization," "extortion," "bribery," "qualified fraud," "unlawfully obtaining personal data," and "tampering with a tender." It was stated that the trustees were appointed within the scope of these investigations.

The trial of 'Akın Gürlek' was postponed to June 16. The hearing of the case opened against İmamoğlu due to his statements directed at Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek, who is currently detained at Marmara Prison in Silivri, was also held on Friday. It was reported that the trial was postponed to June 16. Speaking at the hearing, İmamoğlu said, "Years ago, I followed the Ergenekon conspiracy case within this campus. I am detained today because I won against the will that says whoever wins Istanbul wins Turkey. I am here because I won the Istanbul elections three times. I am here because I was determined as a presidential candidate for the next election by the will of fifteen and a half million people. I am here because I opposed lies, corruption, and plunder while managing the city."

England and Germany stepped in as the leaders of the Ramstein group, but it had not been clarified until now whether this was a temporary measure.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated in an interview with Euronews that the United States would no longer lead the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), which consists of key allies of Ukraine, and that this role would now be taken over by Europeans. Minister Brekelmans said, "The presidency has been taken over by Germany and England." He added, "I think it's a good thing that we have taken over this role and are meeting regularly. The United States is still participating." He continued, "I believe it's very important for all of us to decide to continue the UDCG, which consists of more than 50 countries, to support Ukraine."

The UDCG, also known as the Ramstein Group, is an alliance comprising 57 countries (all 32 NATO member countries and 25 other nations) and the European Union. This alliance has been providing military equipment to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion. This role, which was once solely undertaken by former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, has never been led by his successor Pete Hegseth. Since then, England and Germany have stepped in, but it has not been clarified whether this is a temporary measure. Western sources initially stated that the joint presidency of England and Germany was a temporary measure until the Trump administration and the new team fully recognized the file. However, the U.S. Secretary of Defense participated in today’s meeting online. This move came amid a series of other signals from the Trump administration indicating that the U.S. role in NATO was diminishing. Western allies are also preparing for the possibility of thousands of troops being withdrawn from Europe. Currently, there are 100,000 U.S. troops predominantly stationed in Central Europe. Brekelmans expressed hope that if such an announcement were to be made, the U.S. would do so as part of a negotiated process and keep its allies informed of the plans. "If the U.S. decides over time to shift some of its resources to its own region—for homeland defense—or to the Indo-Pacific region or elsewhere, I think the most important thing is that we do this together," he said. "We need a joint plan where they can shift some resources and we, as European countries, can gradually take over." "However, we need to keep the United States on board. They will continue to be indispensable for our security. Keeping NATO strong is also in the interest of the U.S., and they always express this." The U.S. NATO delegation was contacted for comment.

The retired Israeli Air Force pilot Guy Poran, who led the letter, said, "It is completely irrational and irresponsible to risk the lives of hostages, soldiers, and many more innocent Palestinians when there is a very clear alternative for Israeli policymakers."

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it would dismiss air force reservists who signed a letter condemning the war in Gaza, claiming that the letter served only political interests and did not help bring the hostages held by Hamas home. An army official stated that there is no place for any individual, including active reservists, to "exploit their military status while simultaneously participating in conflict." He described this as a breach of trust between commanders and subordinates. The IDF declared that any active reservist who signed the letter would no longer be able to continue their service. It was not specified how many were involved or whether the dismissals had begun. About 1,000 reservists serving in the Israeli Air Force signed a letter published in local media on Thursday, demanding the immediate return of hostages, even at the expense of ending the conflicts. Although the soldiers who signed the letter did not refuse to continue their duties, some stated that they had witnessed or done things that crossed ethical boundaries. This is part of an increasing wave of dissent from Israeli service personnel against the conflict that has been ongoing for 18 months. Guy Poran, the retired Israeli Air Force pilot who led the letter, said, "It is completely irrational and irresponsible to risk the lives of hostages, soldiers, and many more innocent Palestinians when there is a very clear alternative for Israeli policymakers." Poran also added that he did not know if any of the signatories had been dismissed. According to Poran, since the letter was published, dozens more signatures have been collected. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the letter on Friday, claiming it was written by "a handful of fringe weeds managed by foreign-funded NGOs whose sole aim is to overthrow the right-wing government." Netanyahu announced that anyone encouraging refusal would be immediately dismissed. IDF soldiers are required to stay away from politics and rarely speak about the army or operations. The letter came during a time when Israel was increasing its attacks on Gaza and trying to pressure Hamas to agree to release 59 hostages, more than half of whom are believed to be dead. Civilians in the Gaza Strip are facing severe shortages due to Israel's blockade on food, fuel, and humanitarian aid. Israel aims to seize a large part of Palestinian territory and establish a new security corridor cutting across the region. After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, the country quickly united behind the war launched against the militant group. However, as the war progressed, divisions increased, with much of the criticism focusing on the rising number of soldiers killed and the non-return of hostages.

Pressure for the release of hostages is mounting. Released hostages and their families are doing everything they can to draw attention to their dire situation and encourage the government to bring the remaining captives home. Meanwhile, the war against Hamas shows no signs of stopping. Since Israel ended an eight-week ceasefire last month, Hamas has stated that it will not enter Gaza further until hostages are released. According to the United Nations, more than 1,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire was broken in March. The IDF issued an urgent warning on Friday to residents of certain neighborhoods in northern Gaza, calling for them to evacuate the area immediately. Health officials reported that at least 23 people, including eight women and eight children, were killed in attacks earlier this week.

Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez is visiting China for the third time in two years. The aim of his socialist government is to attract more investment from the Asian giant.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, while trying to win allies amid escalating tariff tensions with the U.S., called on Western countries to support multilateralism and open cooperation. Xi delivered this message during his meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing, stating, "Both sides should continue to build a fair and reasonable global governance system, safeguard world peace and security, and promote common development and prosperity." This visit coincides with a complex period between Europe and China. The tariffs announced last week by U.S. President Donald Trump, which were later suspended, could push the European Union to engage in more trade with China, the world's third-largest consumer market. Without mentioning Trump's name or directly referencing the 145% tariff imposed on Chinese goods, Xi emphasized that the "multiple risks and challenges" facing the world can only be overcome through "unity and cooperation."

Sanchez is also expected to meet with executives from Chinese companies producing electric batteries and renewable energy technologies. Speaking after his meeting with Xi, Sanchez said, "We are in favor of more balanced relations between the European Union and China, finding solutions to our existing differences through negotiation, and increasing cooperation in areas of common interest." He added, "Trade wars are not good; no one wins. And this is very clear. The world needs both China and the U.S. to engage in dialogue."

Warnings from Washington
However, before Sanchez's visit to China, there were criticisms from Washington regarding his Asia tour, which also includes Vietnam. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a stern warning to Spain for its attempts to get closer to China. Bessent stated, "Any country trying to get close to China is stabbing itself in the back. Because Chinese manufacturers will try to dump goods in those countries that they cannot sell in the U.S."

Spain's Agriculture Minister Luis Planas responded to this criticism during his remarks in Vietnam, saying, "Developing our trade relations with an important partner like China is not an attitude against anyone. Every country must defend its own interests."

Madrid's Orientation Toward China
Spain, the fourth-largest economy in the Eurozone and a leader in growth, has adopted a less confrontational stance toward China compared to some other EU countries in recent years. Last year, Spain initially supported the EU's proposed tariffs against Chinese-made electric vehicles due to concerns over unfair competition but remained abstained in the final vote. Planas argued that Madrid's approach toward Beijing has contributed to the search for a way out of this crisis by some countries within the EU.

Although Chinese investments in Spain have increased, the country's trade with China is not as intensive as that of Germany and Italy. However, Spain accounts for 20% of China's pork imports. Daniel de Miguel, vice president of the Spanish pork producers' association Interporc, stated, "For us, China is the most important market." Last year, Spain generated 56% of its electricity from renewable sources and needs China's critical raw materials, solar panels, and green technologies. In December, Chinese electric battery company CATL announced a partnership with automotive giant Stellantis to establish a €4.1 billion battery factory in northern Spain. This development was followed by agreements made last year by Chinese companies Envision and Hygreen Energy to establish green hydrogen infrastructure.

Once led solely by the United States, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), now led by Germany and the United Kingdom, consists of 51 countries and partners.

Key allies of Ukraine from around the world announced on Friday during the UDCG meeting held at NATO headquarters in Brussels that they would provide 21 billion euros in new military support. The group, which was once solely led by the United States and is now led by Germany and the United Kingdom, comprises 51 countries and partners. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the announcement, which includes Germany's commitment of 11 billion euros by 2029, represents a record increase in military financing for Ukraine. Within the 21 billion euros, there is also a commitment of 4.5 billion pounds, described by UK Defense Minister John Healey as the largest contribution to date. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov warned that Russia is increasing its military production and noted that Europe is now taking the lead in security assistance. While U.S. Secretary of State Pete Hegseth participated in the meeting online, Umerov told reporters that the United States continues to provide military aid to his country. The lack of air defense capabilities remains a major issue for Kyiv due to Russia's attacks on Ukraine almost every day since March. German Defense Minister Pistorius said, "Air defense is a problem everywhere in the world - we are doing everything we can as quickly as possible."