February 14, 2025
US
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
The Trump administration began mass termination of probationary federal workers, particularly affecting nuclear weapons agencies and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. By midday, a Russian drone strike reportedly hit Chernobyl's containment shell, though radiation levels remained normal.
Vice President Vance's Munich Security Conference speech criticized European allies while suggesting military leverage against Russia, prompting Kremlin requests for clarification. His subsequent meeting with far-right German leaders generated further controversy.
The Department of Justice moved to dismiss corruption charges against NYC Mayor Adams, triggering multiple prosecutor resignations. Legal challenges mounted against DOGE's access to federal payment systems, while Treasury launched an audit of Musk's team. The Army announced the end of gender-affirming procedures and transgender recruitment, expanding previous days' institutional restructuring beyond workforce reductions.
Vice President Vance's Munich Security Conference speech criticized European allies while suggesting military leverage against Russia, prompting Kremlin requests for clarification. His subsequent meeting with far-right German leaders generated further controversy.
The Department of Justice moved to dismiss corruption charges against NYC Mayor Adams, triggering multiple prosecutor resignations. Legal challenges mounted against DOGE's access to federal payment systems, while Treasury launched an audit of Musk's team. The Army announced the end of gender-affirming procedures and transgender recruitment, expanding previous days' institutional restructuring beyond workforce reductions.
Israel
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
Netanyahu and Trump's discussions regarding potential strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities dominated morning coverage, with US intelligence warning of regional war risks. The Air Force received delivery confirmation for upgraded aircraft, contextualizing the military preparations.
By midday, Hamas and Islamic Jihad confirmed the names of four hostages for Saturday release: Sasha Trofanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn, with implementation details indicating two release points in Khan Yunis. Released lookout Naama Levy's testimony about forced viewing of torture videos emerged, while Keith Siegel appealed to Trump through video message.
Evening reports focused on Qatar-related allegations within the PMO, which called them "fake news," while UNIFIL forces faced Hezbollah supporters' violence in Lebanon. Islamic Jihad released footage of Trofanov on Gaza's beach, continuing their pattern of pre-release propaganda.
By midday, Hamas and Islamic Jihad confirmed the names of four hostages for Saturday release: Sasha Trofanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn, with implementation details indicating two release points in Khan Yunis. Released lookout Naama Levy's testimony about forced viewing of torture videos emerged, while Keith Siegel appealed to Trump through video message.
Evening reports focused on Qatar-related allegations within the PMO, which called them "fake news," while UNIFIL forces faced Hezbollah supporters' violence in Lebanon. Islamic Jihad released footage of Trofanov on Gaza's beach, continuing their pattern of pre-release propaganda.
Germany
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
Morning details emerged about the Munich car attack, as prosecutors confirmed an Islamist motive. The Afghan suspect intentionally targeted a union demonstration, injuring 36 people including a critically wounded child. The incident overshadowed the Munich Security Conference opening.
US Vice President Vance's afternoon speech marked a dramatic shift, declaring Europe rather than Russia as America's primary threat. His criticism of European democracy and migration policies, coupled with calls to end the AfD "firewall," prompted sharp responses from German leaders. Steinmeier and Pistorius explicitly rejected Vance's stance.
Evening coverage revealed Vance's private meeting with AfD's Weidel, while Merz attempted to position himself as mediator for Ukraine negotiations. The Federal Prosecutor's Office took over the Munich attack investigation, suggesting elevated terror threat assessment.
US Vice President Vance's afternoon speech marked a dramatic shift, declaring Europe rather than Russia as America's primary threat. His criticism of European democracy and migration policies, coupled with calls to end the AfD "firewall," prompted sharp responses from German leaders. Steinmeier and Pistorius explicitly rejected Vance's stance.
Evening coverage revealed Vance's private meeting with AfD's Weidel, while Merz attempted to position himself as mediator for Ukraine negotiations. The Federal Prosecutor's Office took over the Munich attack investigation, suggesting elevated terror threat assessment.
France
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
The Munich Security Conference opened amid reports of Trump-Putin negotiations bypassing European allies. Macron warned against a "capitulation peace" while Zelensky demanded Ukrainian inclusion in any talks. By mid-morning, focus shifted to a drone strike on Chernobyl's protective dome, with Ukraine accusing Russia of deliberate destabilization.
US Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a confrontational speech to European leaders, demanding increased defense spending while avoiding direct Ukraine discussions. The afternoon saw three Israeli hostages confirmed for Saturday release, while the Red Cross condemned staged media events around previous releases.
Domestic coverage centered on the Bétharram abuse scandal, with Bayrou scheduling a Saturday meeting with victims after 1996 archives implicated his involvement. Evening brought the 40th Victoires de la Musique ceremony, with Santa and Zaho de Sagazan among major winners.
US Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a confrontational speech to European leaders, demanding increased defense spending while avoiding direct Ukraine discussions. The afternoon saw three Israeli hostages confirmed for Saturday release, while the Red Cross condemned staged media events around previous releases.
Domestic coverage centered on the Bétharram abuse scandal, with Bayrou scheduling a Saturday meeting with victims after 1996 archives implicated his involvement. Evening brought the 40th Victoires de la Musique ceremony, with Santa and Zaho de Sagazan among major winners.
Lebanon
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
The 20th anniversary of Rafik Hariri's assassination dominated morning coverage, with his son Saad announcing Future Movement's return to political life and support for the new government. The announcement came amid ongoing negotiations over Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, with France proposing UNIFIL deployment at five strategic points - a plan Israel rejected by midday.
Russian drone strike on Chernobyl storage facility emerged as breaking news, while Trump-Putin meeting plans in Saudi Arabia gained traction. By evening, tensions escalated at Beirut airport as Iran rejected Lebanese aircraft landing rights, leading to protests that culminated in attacks on UNIFIL vehicles. The army issued warnings against riots while UNIFIL deputy commander reported injuries in what the mission classified as potential war crimes.
French authorities charged Riad Salameh's son in public funds embezzlement case, adding pressure to Lebanon's financial crisis management.
Russian drone strike on Chernobyl storage facility emerged as breaking news, while Trump-Putin meeting plans in Saudi Arabia gained traction. By evening, tensions escalated at Beirut airport as Iran rejected Lebanese aircraft landing rights, leading to protests that culminated in attacks on UNIFIL vehicles. The army issued warnings against riots while UNIFIL deputy commander reported injuries in what the mission classified as potential war crimes.
French authorities charged Riad Salameh's son in public funds embezzlement case, adding pressure to Lebanon's financial crisis management.
Ukraine
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
Russian drone struck Chornobyl's protective sarcophagus at 85-meter altitude, evading radar detection. IAEA confirmed damage while radiation levels remained stable. This attack overshadowed morning developments regarding Trump's peace initiative.
At Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy addressed requirements for Ukraine's security, stating need for 1.5-million-strong army if staying outside NATO. He set conditions for Putin meeting, demanding pre-approved peace framework with US. Vice President Vance contradicted Defense Secretary by not ruling out US troop deployment.
Evening brought confirmation of Saudi Arabia's willingness to host Trump-Putin summit, while Ukraine submitted rare earth metals partnership proposal to US. Media coverage shifted between Chornobyl incident's technical implications and diplomatic maneuvering around potential peace talks formats.
At Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy addressed requirements for Ukraine's security, stating need for 1.5-million-strong army if staying outside NATO. He set conditions for Putin meeting, demanding pre-approved peace framework with US. Vice President Vance contradicted Defense Secretary by not ruling out US troop deployment.
Evening brought confirmation of Saudi Arabia's willingness to host Trump-Putin summit, while Ukraine submitted rare earth metals partnership proposal to US. Media coverage shifted between Chornobyl incident's technical implications and diplomatic maneuvering around potential peace talks formats.
Palestine
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
Morning headlines centered on Al-Quds Brigades and Hamas announcing the release of 3 Israeli prisoners for Saturday's exchange, which evolved into confirmation of 369 Palestinian prisoners to be freed - the largest batch yet. The White House clarified Jordan's rejection of Trump's displacement plan, while European-Arab coordination emerged to counter it. Saudi Arabia assumed leadership of Arab efforts to develop an alternative Gaza proposal.
By afternoon, Gaza's government media office denied entry of caravans and heavy equipment through Rafah, contradicting earlier expectations. Jerusalem's churches issued urgent appeal against forced displacement plans. Evening brought news of negotiations for the second phase between Netanyahu, Trump's envoy, and Egypt, while Trump promised a "hardline" Gaza position for tomorrow. Military operations continued in Tulkarem and Jenin, with reports of four Palestinian casualties.
By afternoon, Gaza's government media office denied entry of caravans and heavy equipment through Rafah, contradicting earlier expectations. Jerusalem's churches issued urgent appeal against forced displacement plans. Evening brought news of negotiations for the second phase between Netanyahu, Trump's envoy, and Egypt, while Trump promised a "hardline" Gaza position for tomorrow. Military operations continued in Tulkarem and Jenin, with reports of four Palestinian casualties.
UK
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
The day opened with Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs targeting VAT-charging countries, potentially costing Britain £24 billion. A Russian drone strike on Chernobyl's protective shelter dominated morning coverage, with IAEA monitoring for radiation leaks.
At the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky rejected Trump's proposed three-way peace talks and warned of potential Russian attacks on NATO countries by 2026. Vice President Vance delivered a confrontational speech, declaring free speech retreat in Europe a greater threat than Russia, while suggesting possible US troop deployment if Putin rejects peace terms.
Evening coverage focused on European reactions to Vance's speech, with accusations of "trying to pick a fight" with the EU. The diplomatic tension marks a significant shift in US-European relations, connecting to Trump's earlier moves on Ukraine peace negotiations and trade policy.
At the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky rejected Trump's proposed three-way peace talks and warned of potential Russian attacks on NATO countries by 2026. Vice President Vance delivered a confrontational speech, declaring free speech retreat in Europe a greater threat than Russia, while suggesting possible US troop deployment if Putin rejects peace terms.
Evening coverage focused on European reactions to Vance's speech, with accusations of "trying to pick a fight" with the EU. The diplomatic tension marks a significant shift in US-European relations, connecting to Trump's earlier moves on Ukraine peace negotiations and trade policy.
Iran
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
The Munich Security Conference dominated morning coverage, with state media emphasizing Iran's rejection of US allegations at the UN regarding Yemen. By midday, coverage shifted to Tehran-Beirut flight cancellations and PKK's conditional disarmament offer. The evening witnessed a dramatic turn as news broke of a 19-year-old Tehran University student's murder during a robbery attempt, sparking widespread protests at the campus. State media initially reported it as a common crime, while opposition sources connected it to "plainclothes" forces.
The protests, which continued into the night with reported arrests of four students, overshadowed earlier stories about US maximum pressure plans and Grossi's nuclear deadline warnings. The police chief's special order to arrest the perpetrators came as demonstrations spread beyond the dormitory area. State media attempted to maintain focus on cultural events and economic developments, but student protests dominated late coverage across all platforms.
The protests, which continued into the night with reported arrests of four students, overshadowed earlier stories about US maximum pressure plans and Grossi's nuclear deadline warnings. The police chief's special order to arrest the perpetrators came as demonstrations spread beyond the dormitory area. State media attempted to maintain focus on cultural events and economic developments, but student protests dominated late coverage across all platforms.
Russia
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
Russian Central Bank maintained its 21% key rate while doubling inflation forecasts, dominating morning financial coverage. The bank's refusal to include potential peace scenarios in forecasts signaled skepticism about diplomatic developments.
Midday brought conflicting narratives about the Chernobyl incident, with Ukrainian reports of drone damage to the sarcophag met by Kremlin denials. Bloomberg revealed Putin's negotiation team composition: Ushakov, Naryshkin, and Dmitriev.
Evening coverage centered on the Munich Security Conference, where Zelensky rejected natural resource concessions to the US. Vice President Vance's statements about potential US troop deployment to Ukraine and criticism of EU leadership marked a shift in diplomatic dynamics. Russian media emphasized growing divisions between US and EU approaches to negotiations, while maintaining narrative control over the Chernobyl incident reporting.
Midday brought conflicting narratives about the Chernobyl incident, with Ukrainian reports of drone damage to the sarcophag met by Kremlin denials. Bloomberg revealed Putin's negotiation team composition: Ushakov, Naryshkin, and Dmitriev.
Evening coverage centered on the Munich Security Conference, where Zelensky rejected natural resource concessions to the US. Vice President Vance's statements about potential US troop deployment to Ukraine and criticism of EU leadership marked a shift in diplomatic dynamics. Russian media emphasized growing divisions between US and EU approaches to negotiations, while maintaining narrative control over the Chernobyl incident reporting.
Italy
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
Moscow's sharp reaction to President Mattarella's Marseille University speech comparing Russia to the Third Reich dominated morning coverage, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova terming it "blasphemous inventions." Prime Minister Meloni characterized the response as an insult to Italy while Quirinale maintained Mattarella's serenity.
By midday, US Vice President Vance's Munich Security Conference speech criticized European migration policies and freedom of speech limitations, while expressing support for Germany's AfD party. Trump's announcement of direct Ukraine-Russia negotiations sparked EU concerns about exclusion from peace talks.
Evening coverage shifted to Pope Francis's hospitalization at Gemelli for bronchitis treatment, requiring several days' stay. The suspension of Italy's contract with Paragon spyware services emerged as a parallel security development, while Sanremo Festival's cover night performances provided cultural counterpoint to political tensions.
By midday, US Vice President Vance's Munich Security Conference speech criticized European migration policies and freedom of speech limitations, while expressing support for Germany's AfD party. Trump's announcement of direct Ukraine-Russia negotiations sparked EU concerns about exclusion from peace talks.
Evening coverage shifted to Pope Francis's hospitalization at Gemelli for bronchitis treatment, requiring several days' stay. The suspension of Italy's contract with Paragon spyware services emerged as a parallel security development, while Sanremo Festival's cover night performances provided cultural counterpoint to political tensions.
Japan
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
The government announced its first-ever strategic release of rice reserves - 210,000 tons - to control surging prices, with distribution starting mid-March. Agricultural Minister Eto indicated willingness to increase quantities if needed.
Nippon Steel's stance hardened regarding U.S. Steel acquisition, explicitly rejecting minority stake options while pursuing full ownership. This development occurred as Japan initiated diplomatic channels to address Trump's proposed reciprocal tariffs.
The evening brought confirmation of drone strikes on Chernobyl facility, as Trump expressed support for Russia's return to G7. The entertainment industry faced scrutiny as police questioned M-1 winners over online casino involvement. A new cold wave warning emerged, with significant snowfall expected along the Sea of Japan coast next week.
Casio announced the end of electronic dictionary development, marking a technological shift in response to smartphone prevalence.
Nippon Steel's stance hardened regarding U.S. Steel acquisition, explicitly rejecting minority stake options while pursuing full ownership. This development occurred as Japan initiated diplomatic channels to address Trump's proposed reciprocal tariffs.
The evening brought confirmation of drone strikes on Chernobyl facility, as Trump expressed support for Russia's return to G7. The entertainment industry faced scrutiny as police questioned M-1 winners over online casino involvement. A new cold wave warning emerged, with significant snowfall expected along the Sea of Japan coast next week.
Casio announced the end of electronic dictionary development, marking a technological shift in response to smartphone prevalence.
Netherlands
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
Dutch military presence in Estonia emerged as first line of NATO defense, while Macron warned of Trump's return as an "electric shock" to Europe. Russian state media celebrated Trump-Putin dialogue from previous day. By midday, the government extended its energy emergency fund with €60 million through 2026, while economic data showed continued growth despite vulnerabilities.
The afternoon brought US Vice President Vance's confrontational speech in Munich, directly challenging European democratic standards and demanding embrace of populist movements. German Defense Minister Pistorius called these statements "unacceptable." The Court blocked Minister Faber's planned cuts to refugee support services, marking another setback to the coalition's immigration policies.
Von der Leyen proposed excluding defense spending from EU budget constraints, while Trump threatened new tariffs on European VAT, escalating the trade tensions that began with steel tariffs earlier this week.
The afternoon brought US Vice President Vance's confrontational speech in Munich, directly challenging European democratic standards and demanding embrace of populist movements. German Defense Minister Pistorius called these statements "unacceptable." The Court blocked Minister Faber's planned cuts to refugee support services, marking another setback to the coalition's immigration policies.
Von der Leyen proposed excluding defense spending from EU budget constraints, while Trump threatened new tariffs on European VAT, escalating the trade tensions that began with steel tariffs earlier this week.
India
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
The Modi-Trump meeting yielded mixed outcomes before dawn: Trump approved Tahawwur Rana's extradition and offered F-35 fighters, while announcing reciprocal tariffs that could impact Indo-US trade. The "MIGA+MAGA=MEGA" partnership aimed at $500 billion trade by 2030 dominated morning coverage.
By afternoon, attention shifted to the controversy over US deportation flights landing in Amritsar, with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann questioning why his state was targeted. A second flight carrying 119 deportees was scheduled for February 15.
Evening coverage focused on farmers' talks with the government ending inconclusively, with next round scheduled for February 22. The media also reported on Congress's organizational reshuffle, with Bhupesh Baghel becoming Punjab in-charge, while speculation continued about Delhi's next Chief Minister after BJP's victory.
By afternoon, attention shifted to the controversy over US deportation flights landing in Amritsar, with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann questioning why his state was targeted. A second flight carrying 119 deportees was scheduled for February 15.
Evening coverage focused on farmers' talks with the government ending inconclusively, with next round scheduled for February 22. The media also reported on Congress's organizational reshuffle, with Bhupesh Baghel becoming Punjab in-charge, while speculation continued about Delhi's next Chief Minister after BJP's victory.
Poland
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
A Russian drone strike on Chernobyl's sarcophagus opened the morning news cycle, with reports of significant damage. The Pentagon chief's visit to Warsaw brought mixed signals: while praising Poland as a "model ally" and discussing Fort Trump's revival, he spoke of "realism" regarding Ukraine. JD Vance's Munich speech shifted focus from Russia to internal European issues, particularly criticizing censorship and migration policies.
By afternoon, Zelenskyy rejected any territorial concessions while European leaders processed their exclusion from US-Russia-Ukraine talks. ABW's successful operation against a Russian intelligence network provided Tusk's government with a counter-narrative to opposition criticism about security policies.
Evening coverage centered on professor Żurawski's warning about Russia potentially breaking any future ceasefire, connecting to previous days' concerns about Trump-Putin talks excluding European interests.
By afternoon, Zelenskyy rejected any territorial concessions while European leaders processed their exclusion from US-Russia-Ukraine talks. ABW's successful operation against a Russian intelligence network provided Tusk's government with a counter-narrative to opposition criticism about security policies.
Evening coverage centered on professor Żurawski's warning about Russia potentially breaking any future ceasefire, connecting to previous days' concerns about Trump-Putin talks excluding European interests.
Spain
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
Trump's initiative for Ukraine peace talks in Munich unfolded through multiple phases, with Ukraine refusing to participate without prior Western alignment. Von der Leyen responded by calling for accelerated Ukrainian EU membership and proposing suspension of fiscal rules for defense spending. Zelensky later specified conditions for meeting Putin, requiring a unified Western position first.
Brussels promised "firm and immediate" retaliation to Trump's new VAT-based tariffs, continuing the economic confrontation that began with steel tariffs. Vance postponed his scheduled meeting with Zelensky to review rare earth agreements, then later met him to discuss "lasting peace."
A mass casualty incident at a Munich union gathering, with 36 injured, complicated the security conference's proceedings. Putin assembled a negotiating team of intelligence and diplomatic figures, signaling serious engagement with Trump's initiative.
Brussels promised "firm and immediate" retaliation to Trump's new VAT-based tariffs, continuing the economic confrontation that began with steel tariffs. Vance postponed his scheduled meeting with Zelensky to review rare earth agreements, then later met him to discuss "lasting peace."
A mass casualty incident at a Munich union gathering, with 36 injured, complicated the security conference's proceedings. Putin assembled a negotiating team of intelligence and diplomatic figures, signaling serious engagement with Trump's initiative.
Turkey
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
TÜSİAD's criticism of government policies triggered an immediate state response, with prosecutors launching investigations against the business organization's leadership by morning. The Justice Minister led coordinated messaging portraying the group's statements as attempts to revive "February 28 mentality," referring to the 1997 post-modern coup. Opposition leaders, including Özgür Özel and Kılıçdaroğlu, defended TÜSİAD.
Foreign Minister Fidan conducted meetings with US, UK, and German counterparts in Munich, focusing on Gaza ceasefire efforts. Meanwhile, Erdoğan signaled cabinet changes while dismissing concerns about potential political bans on İmamoğlu.
The day saw multiple infrastructure incidents in Istanbul, including a landslide in Üsküdar forcing evacuations and a fatal accident involving a firefighter. CHP's primary election schedule was finalized, with nearly 4,000 polling stations to be established.
Foreign Minister Fidan conducted meetings with US, UK, and German counterparts in Munich, focusing on Gaza ceasefire efforts. Meanwhile, Erdoğan signaled cabinet changes while dismissing concerns about potential political bans on İmamoğlu.
The day saw multiple infrastructure incidents in Istanbul, including a landslide in Üsküdar forcing evacuations and a fatal accident involving a firefighter. CHP's primary election schedule was finalized, with nearly 4,000 polling stations to be established.
China
•14.02.2025
•Friday
•191 days ago
•⌨
The morning media coverage centered on China's 5% GDP achievement narrative alongside DeepSeek's AI advances, continuing previous days' technological sovereignty themes. State media emphasized women's increasing reliance on AI companions, while maintaining economic optimism narratives.
By midday, attention shifted to Putin's invitation for a Moscow summit with Xi and Trump, while Wang Yi in Britain claimed validation of China's Ukraine position. This merged with coverage of Trump-Putin communications, creating uncertainty narratives around Ukraine's future.
Evening coverage revealed record-breaking social financing data exceeding 7 trillion yuan in January, while Xi prepared to meet tech entrepreneurs. The murder of a Chinese student at CalArts and "Ne Zha 2" box office success provided parallel narratives of overseas threats and domestic cultural triumph. State media maintained concurrent coverage of Spring Festival travel statistics, reporting 2.3 billion passenger trips.
By midday, attention shifted to Putin's invitation for a Moscow summit with Xi and Trump, while Wang Yi in Britain claimed validation of China's Ukraine position. This merged with coverage of Trump-Putin communications, creating uncertainty narratives around Ukraine's future.
Evening coverage revealed record-breaking social financing data exceeding 7 trillion yuan in January, while Xi prepared to meet tech entrepreneurs. The murder of a Chinese student at CalArts and "Ne Zha 2" box office success provided parallel narratives of overseas threats and domestic cultural triumph. State media maintained concurrent coverage of Spring Festival travel statistics, reporting 2.3 billion passenger trips.
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