Anadolu Agency's Morning Briefing – Dec. 9, 2022

ANKARA (AA) - Anadolu Agency is here with a rundown of the latest developments around the world.

Türkiye has raised "important security concerns" about Finland and Sweden's NATO membership bids, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday.

In a high-profile prisoner swap, US WNBA star Brittney Griner has been freed in exchange for a Russian national who was incarcerated in the US, Russia said.

The US House of Representatives passed an $858 billion defense spending bill Thursday as lawmakers face a rapidly approaching deadline to fund the Pentagon.

In line with the US’ recent positive approach, now Türkiye wants to see concrete steps from Washington, said the Turkish defense chief, referring to Türkiye’s pending purchase of F-16 fighter jets.

Democrats did better than expected in the US midterm elections, but approval of US President Joe Biden’s job performance remains low, according to a poll.

Pope Francis wept tears as he prayed for peace in Ukraine during a traditional Christmas visit to the statue of the Virgin Mary near the Spanish Steps in Rome.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the two countries.

Total defense expenditures of the 26 EU member states, excluding Denmark, rose to €214 billion ($224.9 billion) in 2021, the bloc's defense agency said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow carries out strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in response to Kyiv's actions.

The risk of Russia using nuclear weapons has lessened, Germany’s chancellor said.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) fined France for ignoring asylum seekers' claims for accommodation.

Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu has asked President Isaac Herzog for a two-week extension to form the government, local media reported Thursday.

Kosovo began deploying more police units late Thursday to the north of the country as tensions rose between ethnic Serbs and the Pristina government, according to the Interior Ministry.