February 13, 2025
US
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
The morning witnessed a federal judge clearing Trump's workforce downsizing plan, allowing 75,000 federal workers to accept buyouts. This development triggered immediate agency-wide firings, with Musk's DOGE team leading implementation.
By midday, Trump's call with Putin regarding Ukraine peace talks generated extensive coverage, leaving European allies and Zelensky demanding involvement. The Senate confirmed RFK Jr. as Health Secretary in a narrow 52-48 vote, while Manhattan's top federal prosecutor resigned after refusing to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Adams.
Evening brought Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs on nearly all trading partners, expanding previous days' trade measures. The plan emerged during meetings with India's Modi, suggesting a broader realignment of trade relationships. Fourteen states sued Trump and Musk over DOGE's creation, while federal judges continued blocking various executive orders, including restrictions on transgender healthcare.
By midday, Trump's call with Putin regarding Ukraine peace talks generated extensive coverage, leaving European allies and Zelensky demanding involvement. The Senate confirmed RFK Jr. as Health Secretary in a narrow 52-48 vote, while Manhattan's top federal prosecutor resigned after refusing to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Adams.
Evening brought Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs on nearly all trading partners, expanding previous days' trade measures. The plan emerged during meetings with India's Modi, suggesting a broader realignment of trade relationships. Fourteen states sued Trump and Musk over DOGE's creation, while federal judges continued blocking various executive orders, including restrictions on transgender healthcare.
Israel
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
Hamas signaled willingness to proceed with Saturday's hostage release, while the PMO dismissed these reports as "fake news," maintaining pressure through Trump's ultimatum from previous days. The morning's conflicting messages evolved into afternoon confirmation of planned releases.
Justice Amit's Supreme Court presidency inauguration became a constitutional crisis as Netanyahu, Justice Minister Levin, and Knesset Speaker Ochana boycotted the ceremony. President Herzog condemned the unprecedented absence, while Amit called for dialogue.
Released female lookouts' families revealed systematic psychological torture in captivity, including forced viewing of IDF casualties and ministers' anti-deal statements. US intelligence assessment of planned Israeli strikes on Iran surfaced, suggesting coordination with Trump's potential return.
By evening, preparations for Saturday's hostage release intensified, with reports of accelerated Phase A implementation.
Justice Amit's Supreme Court presidency inauguration became a constitutional crisis as Netanyahu, Justice Minister Levin, and Knesset Speaker Ochana boycotted the ceremony. President Herzog condemned the unprecedented absence, while Amit called for dialogue.
Released female lookouts' families revealed systematic psychological torture in captivity, including forced viewing of IDF casualties and ministers' anti-deal statements. US intelligence assessment of planned Israeli strikes on Iran surfaced, suggesting coordination with Trump's potential return.
By evening, preparations for Saturday's hostage release intensified, with reports of accelerated Phase A implementation.
Germany
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
The morning papers focused on Trump's bilateral Ukraine negotiations excluding European leaders, with diplomatic concerns overshadowed by a car attack at a Ver.di demonstration in Munich. Initial reports of injuries evolved from 20 to 30 victims as details emerged about the perpetrator, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker.
By afternoon, Bavarian Interior Minister Herrmann and Chancellor Scholz characterized the incident as an attack, while police found evidence of extremist motives. The suspect's legal status sparked political debate, though later corrections showed he held valid residency permits.
Evening coverage connected the incident to broader security discussions, as Afghan community organizations distanced themselves from the attack. Meanwhile, Trump-Putin negotiations advanced, with Medvedev declaring "Europe's time is over" and reports suggesting first Ukrainian-Russian talks could occur during Munich Security Conference.
By afternoon, Bavarian Interior Minister Herrmann and Chancellor Scholz characterized the incident as an attack, while police found evidence of extremist motives. The suspect's legal status sparked political debate, though later corrections showed he held valid residency permits.
Evening coverage connected the incident to broader security discussions, as Afghan community organizations distanced themselves from the attack. Meanwhile, Trump-Putin negotiations advanced, with Medvedev declaring "Europe's time is over" and reports suggesting first Ukrainian-Russian talks could occur during Munich Security Conference.
France
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
Trump and Putin's direct Ukraine negotiations dominated morning coverage, with European leaders expressing alarm at being sidelined. Zelensky demanded US discussions before any Russian talks, while the Kremlin claimed Kiev would participate "one way or another."
A grenade attack in a Grenoble bar injured twelve people overnight, with investigators focusing on drug trafficking connections. By midday, attention shifted to Munich, where an Afghan asylum seeker drove into a union demonstration, injuring 28 people in what authorities called a "probable attack."
The afternoon saw two major domestic developments: Laurent Wauquiez announced his candidacy for Les Républicains leadership against Bruno Retailleau, while former PM Jean Castex was briefly detained for questioning regarding past administrative roles. Parliament definitively banned "puff" e-cigarettes, popular among teenagers.
A grenade attack in a Grenoble bar injured twelve people overnight, with investigators focusing on drug trafficking connections. By midday, attention shifted to Munich, where an Afghan asylum seeker drove into a union demonstration, injuring 28 people in what authorities called a "probable attack."
The afternoon saw two major domestic developments: Laurent Wauquiez announced his candidacy for Les Républicains leadership against Bruno Retailleau, while former PM Jean Castex was briefly detained for questioning regarding past administrative roles. Parliament definitively banned "puff" e-cigarettes, popular among teenagers.
Lebanon
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
Israeli intentions to maintain five strategic points in southern Lebanon emerged as morning reports indicated U.S. approval for Hezbollah monitoring posts. President Aoun initiated diplomatic contacts with influential nations to enforce the February 18 withdrawal deadline, while Speaker Berri explicitly rejected any extension requests.
By afternoon, the Paris conference on Syria's political transition commenced as Lebanese Foreign Minister conducted meetings regarding refugee returns. An Iranian civilian aircraft controversy sparked protests at Beirut airport, leading to road blockades and requiring army intervention.
Evening developments saw Israeli airstrikes targeting positions along the Litani River, while French Foreign Minister proposed UNIFIL deployment at contested points as compromise. The Netanyahu administration maintained its position on keeping strategic locations, despite mounting Lebanese diplomatic pressure and U.S. reluctance to support withdrawal delays.
By afternoon, the Paris conference on Syria's political transition commenced as Lebanese Foreign Minister conducted meetings regarding refugee returns. An Iranian civilian aircraft controversy sparked protests at Beirut airport, leading to road blockades and requiring army intervention.
Evening developments saw Israeli airstrikes targeting positions along the Litani River, while French Foreign Minister proposed UNIFIL deployment at contested points as compromise. The Netanyahu administration maintained its position on keeping strategic locations, despite mounting Lebanese diplomatic pressure and U.S. reluctance to support withdrawal delays.
Ukraine
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
Trump's announcement of a bilateral meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine's participation dominated morning coverage, following yesterday's separate phone calls. Chinese alternative proposal to host the summit emerged in parallel.
By midday, NSDC imposed indefinite sanctions against five oligarchs including former president Poroshenko, while SBU arrested Colonel Koziura for alleged FSB cooperation. Putin's administration announced formation of negotiation team with US.
Evening developments centered on Zelenskyy's firm stance against bilateral talks without Ukraine, coinciding with reports of SBU's second drone strike on Andreapol oil facility. Trump's team attempted to soften concerns by clarifying that territorial losses in potential peace agreement wouldn't constitute formal recognition.
Late evening brought announcement of trilateral talks in Munich, promptly denied by Zelenskyy's office, highlighting growing discord between US and Ukrainian diplomatic positions.
By midday, NSDC imposed indefinite sanctions against five oligarchs including former president Poroshenko, while SBU arrested Colonel Koziura for alleged FSB cooperation. Putin's administration announced formation of negotiation team with US.
Evening developments centered on Zelenskyy's firm stance against bilateral talks without Ukraine, coinciding with reports of SBU's second drone strike on Andreapol oil facility. Trump's team attempted to soften concerns by clarifying that territorial losses in potential peace agreement wouldn't constitute formal recognition.
Late evening brought announcement of trilateral talks in Munich, promptly denied by Zelenskyy's office, highlighting growing discord between US and Ukrainian diplomatic positions.
Palestine
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with reports of heavy equipment and mobile homes entering Gaza, but Netanyahu's office quickly denied authorization, turning the equipment issue into a focal point of negotiations. Hamas announced commitment to Saturday's prisoner exchange schedule, while ceasefire violations continued with 3 deaths reported. Egyptian mediation appeared to bridge equipment entry disputes by early afternoon.
US Treasury sanctioned ICC prosecutor while UAE ambassador endorsed Trump's Gaza plan, marking growing international divide. The Houthis threatened military intervention if displacement plans proceed. By evening, Israel approved operational plans in case of ceasefire collapse, while establishing permanent military presence in Jenin.
Throughout the day, displacement continued in Nur Shams camp, while aid organizations reported 40% of required tents had reached Gaza. Consumer price index showed decrease in Gaza but increase in West Bank and Jerusalem.
US Treasury sanctioned ICC prosecutor while UAE ambassador endorsed Trump's Gaza plan, marking growing international divide. The Houthis threatened military intervention if displacement plans proceed. By evening, Israel approved operational plans in case of ceasefire collapse, while establishing permanent military presence in Jenin.
Throughout the day, displacement continued in Nur Shams camp, while aid organizations reported 40% of required tents had reached Gaza. Consumer price index showed decrease in Gaza but increase in West Bank and Jerusalem.
UK
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
Trump's overnight announcement of Ukraine peace talks with Putin triggered immediate European pushback, with UK Defence Secretary emphasizing "no talks without Ukraine." The diplomatic tension escalated as European leaders demanded inclusion in negotiations, while US Defense Secretary Hegseth defended Trump's initiative.
A vehicle ramming in Munich by an Afghan asylum seeker injured 28 people near a security conference venue, drawing attention from the Ukraine developments. By afternoon, Russia claimed Ukraine would participate in talks, contradicting Zelensky's explicit rejection of any deal made without Kyiv's involvement.
Evening brought Trump's announcement of new tariffs on trading partners, particularly targeting countries charging VAT, connecting to his trade policy shifts from February 10th. The move signals potential economic confrontation paralleling the diplomatic repositioning on Ukraine.
A vehicle ramming in Munich by an Afghan asylum seeker injured 28 people near a security conference venue, drawing attention from the Ukraine developments. By afternoon, Russia claimed Ukraine would participate in talks, contradicting Zelensky's explicit rejection of any deal made without Kyiv's involvement.
Evening brought Trump's announcement of new tariffs on trading partners, particularly targeting countries charging VAT, connecting to his trade policy shifts from February 10th. The move signals potential economic confrontation paralleling the diplomatic repositioning on Ukraine.
Iran
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
State media focused on President Pezeshkian's visit to Bushehr's shipyards and nuclear facilities, where he announced expansion of Phase 2 and 3 operations. This coverage competed with reports of security forces suppressing protests marking the 14th anniversary of Green Movement leaders' house arrest.
Morning headlines centered on Washington Post and Wall Street Journal reports about potential Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities, while Hamas called for global uprising against Palestinian displacement plans. By afternoon, coverage shifted to ministerial disputes over ongoing power outages, with Pezeshkian attempting to mediate between feuding energy and oil ministries.
Evening brought news of canceled Tehran-Beirut flights amid Lebanese protests, while economic coverage noted gold coin prices dropping to 60 million tomans. International media highlighted EU foreign policy chief's criticism of Trump's Russia stance regarding Ukraine.
Morning headlines centered on Washington Post and Wall Street Journal reports about potential Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities, while Hamas called for global uprising against Palestinian displacement plans. By afternoon, coverage shifted to ministerial disputes over ongoing power outages, with Pezeshkian attempting to mediate between feuding energy and oil ministries.
Evening brought news of canceled Tehran-Beirut flights amid Lebanese protests, while economic coverage noted gold coin prices dropping to 60 million tomans. International media highlighted EU foreign policy chief's criticism of Trump's Russia stance regarding Ukraine.
Russia
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
Morning brought reports of massive drone attacks on Lipetsk region, with over 80 UAVs intercepted across nine regions. Markets responded dramatically to the previous day's Putin-Trump call, with the ruble strengthening below 90 to dollar for the first time since September 2024, leading currency exchanges to pause operations.
By afternoon, the Kremlin announced immediate preparations for a Putin-Trump summit, with China offering to host. Russian media emphasized Washington as Moscow's primary negotiating partner, sidelining European involvement. FSB reported preventing a terrorist attack at Pskov railway station.
Evening developments centered on Trump's statement supporting Russia's return to G8 and announcement of trilateral talks in Munich. Alexander Vinnik's return from US detention via Turkey completed the day's diplomatic exchanges. Financial Times reported potential peace deal timing targets of Easter or May 9th.
By afternoon, the Kremlin announced immediate preparations for a Putin-Trump summit, with China offering to host. Russian media emphasized Washington as Moscow's primary negotiating partner, sidelining European involvement. FSB reported preventing a terrorist attack at Pskov railway station.
Evening developments centered on Trump's statement supporting Russia's return to G8 and announcement of trilateral talks in Munich. Alexander Vinnik's return from US detention via Turkey completed the day's diplomatic exchanges. Financial Times reported potential peace deal timing targets of Easter or May 9th.
Italy
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
Trump's direct negotiations with Putin regarding Ukraine revealed Moscow's terms: excluding Kiev from NATO and maintaining occupied territories. European markets responded positively while EU leaders rejected "rushed compromises." By afternoon, attention shifted to Munich, where a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, who entered Italy through Calabria in 2016, rammed his vehicle into a union rally, leaving one dead and 28 injured, including children.
The Parliament elected four Constitutional Court judges after months of deadlock, while the Privacy Guarantor warned Il Fatto about publishing classified intelligence communications regarding La Russa Jr.'s case. The evening belonged to Sanremo's third night, with Duran Duran's return after 40 years becoming a cultural moment, joined by Victoria from Måneskin, while Carlo Conti's hosting garnered comparison to Amadeus's previous festival leadership.
The Parliament elected four Constitutional Court judges after months of deadlock, while the Privacy Guarantor warned Il Fatto about publishing classified intelligence communications regarding La Russa Jr.'s case. The evening belonged to Sanremo's third night, with Duran Duran's return after 40 years becoming a cultural moment, joined by Victoria from Måneskin, while Carlo Conti's hosting garnered comparison to Amadeus's previous festival leadership.
Japan
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
Trump's conversation with Putin dominated morning coverage, with reports of potential peace talks contrasting Pentagon's statement that Ukraine's territorial recovery was "unrealistic." By midday, attention shifted to Honda and Nissan's merger collapse, revealing Honda proposed full acquisition through share swap, which Nissan rejected citing autonomy concerns. Nissan announced ¥80 billion loss forecast, while their CEO denied immediate resignation plans.
The government finalized plans to release 210,000 tons of rice reserves, marking first-ever strategic release for market stabilization. A gas explosion at Taichung's Shin Kong Mitsukoshi claimed four lives, with casualty numbers revised throughout the day. Evening coverage returned to Ukraine diplomacy, highlighting divergent approaches between Trump's ceasefire focus and Putin's demands for surrender terms.
The government finalized plans to release 210,000 tons of rice reserves, marking first-ever strategic release for market stabilization. A gas explosion at Taichung's Shin Kong Mitsukoshi claimed four lives, with casualty numbers revised throughout the day. Evening coverage returned to Ukraine diplomacy, highlighting divergent approaches between Trump's ceasefire focus and Putin's demands for surrender terms.
Netherlands
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
Gas prices surpassed previous price ceilings as morning headlines focused on Trump's emerging peace initiative with Putin. European leaders demanded participation in US-Russia negotiations while Zelensky rejected any agreement made without Ukraine's presence. NATO chief Rutte characterized Putin as "unpredictable" while asserting Ukraine's right to participate.
By noon, an Afghan asylum seeker drove into a striking crowd in Munich, injuring 28 people including children. The incident immediately entered German electoral discourse.
Evening developments saw an armed intruder breach the Dutch Parliament building, while Minister Faber proposed a curfew for asylum seekers in Ter Apel following parliamentary pressure. The Amsterdam stock exchange reached new records, driven by traditional sectors rather than tech stocks.
By noon, an Afghan asylum seeker drove into a striking crowd in Munich, injuring 28 people including children. The incident immediately entered German electoral discourse.
Evening developments saw an armed intruder breach the Dutch Parliament building, while Minister Faber proposed a curfew for asylum seekers in Ter Apel following parliamentary pressure. The Amsterdam stock exchange reached new records, driven by traditional sectors rather than tech stocks.
India
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
The Waqf Bill Joint Parliamentary Committee report sparked opposition walkouts in both houses over deleted dissent notes, while President's Rule was imposed in Manipur following BJP's failure to resolve its leadership crisis after Biren Singh's resignation.
PM Modi's arrival in Washington began with meetings with US National Security Advisor and Tulsi Gabbard. Hours before Modi's scheduled bilateral with Trump, the US President signed executive orders imposing reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners - a move anticipated since last week's market crash. Modi then met Elon Musk, who brought his children including X to Blair House, followed by talks with Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
In Manipur, a CRPF jawan killed two colleagues before taking his own life, injuring eight others, highlighting the continuing instability that led to central rule.
PM Modi's arrival in Washington began with meetings with US National Security Advisor and Tulsi Gabbard. Hours before Modi's scheduled bilateral with Trump, the US President signed executive orders imposing reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners - a move anticipated since last week's market crash. Modi then met Elon Musk, who brought his children including X to Blair House, followed by talks with Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
In Manipur, a CRPF jawan killed two colleagues before taking his own life, injuring eight others, highlighting the continuing instability that led to central rule.
Poland
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
Google's announcement of a $5 million AI investment in Poland generated media criticism, contrasting with previous $2.7 billion commitments. The morning brought coverage of Russian drones crossing Romanian airspace and details of Munich vehicle attack by an Afghan asylum seeker injuring 28 people.
By afternoon, Trump's statements about trusting Putin and wanting Russia back in G7/G8 dominated coverage, while Pentagon chief attempted to calm European allies about US-Russia talks. Tusk held calls with European leaders including Zelenskyy, emphasizing unified response. New housing program "Pierwsze klucze" was announced to replace "Kredyt na start".
Evening brought news of a priest's murder in Kłobuck, while Trump revealed plans for trilateral US-Russia-Ukraine meeting in Munich. Media attention focused on potential Ukraine peace terms excluding European participation.
By afternoon, Trump's statements about trusting Putin and wanting Russia back in G7/G8 dominated coverage, while Pentagon chief attempted to calm European allies about US-Russia talks. Tusk held calls with European leaders including Zelenskyy, emphasizing unified response. New housing program "Pierwsze klucze" was announced to replace "Kredyt na start".
Evening brought news of a priest's murder in Kłobuck, while Trump revealed plans for trilateral US-Russia-Ukraine meeting in Munich. Media attention focused on potential Ukraine peace terms excluding European participation.
Spain
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
Trump's initiative to negotiate Ukraine peace with Putin, bypassing European allies, dominated morning coverage. EU leaders demanded inclusion while US officials dismissed European concerns. Zelensky explicitly rejected bilateral negotiations without Ukraine's participation, as NATO's Rutte insisted peace terms must not appear as Western defeat.
Hamas confirmed plans to release hostages on Saturday to maintain ceasefire, while Spanish Leopard tanks in Pokrovsk reported diminishing effectiveness of tank warfare. Defense Ministry announced €4.2 billion in new contracts.
Evening news shifted dramatically as Trump declared trade war against EU, announcing retaliatory tariffs over VAT policies. This move, following previous days' steel tariffs, signaled escalating US-EU economic tensions. Meanwhile, CIS polls showed PSOE maintaining lead despite minimum wage taxation controversy from previous days.
Hamas confirmed plans to release hostages on Saturday to maintain ceasefire, while Spanish Leopard tanks in Pokrovsk reported diminishing effectiveness of tank warfare. Defense Ministry announced €4.2 billion in new contracts.
Evening news shifted dramatically as Trump declared trade war against EU, announcing retaliatory tariffs over VAT policies. This move, following previous days' steel tariffs, signaled escalating US-EU economic tensions. Meanwhile, CIS polls showed PSOE maintaining lead despite minimum wage taxation controversy from previous days.
Turkey
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
TÜSİAD's criticism of government policies sparked immediate responses from multiple officials, with Justice Minister Tunç leading a coordinated pushback against the business organization's statements about democracy and rule of law. The government's narrative portrayed this as an attempt to interfere with politics.
President Erdoğan's Pakistan visit dominated official media, with emphasis on trade agreements and statements about Gaza. The gift of a TOGG vehicle to Pakistan's president received particular attention.
Operations against CHP municipalities intensified, with prosecutors using WhatsApp group memberships as evidence to arrest 10 officials. Meanwhile, labor protests in Gaziantep faced a governor's ban.
The Aegean region experienced multiple 4.6 magnitude earthquakes within minutes, while AFAD assured the public about tsunami risks. Evening brought news of a fatal bus accident in Bingöl, with 4 deaths and 32 injuries.
President Erdoğan's Pakistan visit dominated official media, with emphasis on trade agreements and statements about Gaza. The gift of a TOGG vehicle to Pakistan's president received particular attention.
Operations against CHP municipalities intensified, with prosecutors using WhatsApp group memberships as evidence to arrest 10 officials. Meanwhile, labor protests in Gaziantep faced a governor's ban.
The Aegean region experienced multiple 4.6 magnitude earthquakes within minutes, while AFAD assured the public about tsunami risks. Evening brought news of a fatal bus accident in Bingöl, with 4 deaths and 32 injuries.
China
•13.02.2025
•Thursday
•192 days ago
•⌨
The morning coverage centered on China's positioning at the Paris AI summit, with state media emphasizing Xi's Global AI Governance Initiative while noting US absence. This narrative merged with DeepSeek's technological achievements, continuing previous days' AI sovereignty themes.
By midday, attention shifted to Trump-Putin discussions on Ukraine, while Hong Kong media reported PORI's suspension of self-funded research amid national security pressures. The discovery of ancient bird fossils in Fujian provided state media with a technological superiority narrative.
Evening coverage focused on brain-computer interface commercialization challenges and central bank monetary policy adjustments, including offshore yuan bond issuance in Hong Kong. Wang Yi's UK Strategic Dialogue revival attempted to counter previous days' trade tensions, while "Ne Zha 2" reaching 10 billion yuan provided cultural success narrative ammunition.
By midday, attention shifted to Trump-Putin discussions on Ukraine, while Hong Kong media reported PORI's suspension of self-funded research amid national security pressures. The discovery of ancient bird fossils in Fujian provided state media with a technological superiority narrative.
Evening coverage focused on brain-computer interface commercialization challenges and central bank monetary policy adjustments, including offshore yuan bond issuance in Hong Kong. Wang Yi's UK Strategic Dialogue revival attempted to counter previous days' trade tensions, while "Ne Zha 2" reaching 10 billion yuan provided cultural success narrative ammunition.
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