February 15, 2025
US
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The Department of Justice's dismissal of corruption charges against NYC Mayor Adams triggered resignations of seven prosecutors, marking a new phase in the Trump administration's judicial realignment. By mid-morning, widespread federal workforce reductions began, particularly affecting HUD and other agencies, despite court intervention blocking CFPB layoffs.
DOGE's role expanded as federal judges granted Musk's team access to agency data, while reports emerged of $1.9 billion in "misplaced" federal funds discovered by the organization. Vice President Vance's controversial meeting with German far-right leaders generated diplomatic tension.
In the afternoon, Ukraine rejected Trump's request for mineral rights, while Zelensky called for creation of European armed forces at Munich Security Conference. The evening brought reports of chaos across federal agencies as mass terminations continued, with fired workers speaking publicly against the administration.
DOGE's role expanded as federal judges granted Musk's team access to agency data, while reports emerged of $1.9 billion in "misplaced" federal funds discovered by the organization. Vice President Vance's controversial meeting with German far-right leaders generated diplomatic tension.
In the afternoon, Ukraine rejected Trump's request for mineral rights, while Zelensky called for creation of European armed forces at Munich Security Conference. The evening brought reports of chaos across federal agencies as mass terminations continued, with fired workers speaking publicly against the administration.
Israel
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Hamas orchestrated the release of Sasha Trofanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn through Khan Yunis, forcing them to appear on a staged platform before transfer to Red Cross custody. The three, held for 498 days, walked independently despite their ordeal.
By afternoon, initial debriefings revealed physical torture of Dekel-Chen and intelligence from Horn about other captives. Netanyahu convened security consultations following Trump's ultimatum expiration, with focus shifting to securing six additional hostages before Ramadan.
Shin Bet launched an investigation into alleged connections between Netanyahu's office and Qatar, while US Senator Rubio arrived in Tel Aviv to support accelerated Phase A implementation. The military establishment supported extending the deal's first phase, including Palestinian gestures, to secure remaining live hostages.
By afternoon, initial debriefings revealed physical torture of Dekel-Chen and intelligence from Horn about other captives. Netanyahu convened security consultations following Trump's ultimatum expiration, with focus shifting to securing six additional hostages before Ramadan.
Shin Bet launched an investigation into alleged connections between Netanyahu's office and Qatar, while US Senator Rubio arrived in Tel Aviv to support accelerated Phase A implementation. The military establishment supported extending the deal's first phase, including Palestinian gestures, to secure remaining live hostages.
Germany
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
US Vice President Vance's controversial Munich Security Conference speech dominated morning coverage, particularly his meeting with AfD's Weidel after criticizing European democracy. Chancellor Scholz delivered a sharp rebuke, asserting German democratic sovereignty, while Vice Chancellor Habeck labeled the US administration's behavior "authoritarian-revolutionary."
Zelenskyy's afternoon address called for a European army and warned against Russian peace negotiations, as Trump endorsed Vance's statements. The political tension overshadowed growing concerns about Mercedes's restructuring and climate impact research.
By evening, the death of the mother and child from Thursday's Islamist attack in Munich shifted focus back to domestic security. Finance Minister Lindner called for deportation agreements with Syria, while additional violence emerged in Austria with a Syrian attacker killing a 14-year-old. Baerbock's evening forum appearance addressed both the Vance controversy and growing war concerns.
Zelenskyy's afternoon address called for a European army and warned against Russian peace negotiations, as Trump endorsed Vance's statements. The political tension overshadowed growing concerns about Mercedes's restructuring and climate impact research.
By evening, the death of the mother and child from Thursday's Islamist attack in Munich shifted focus back to domestic security. Finance Minister Lindner called for deportation agreements with Syria, while additional violence emerged in Austria with a Syrian attacker killing a 14-year-old. Baerbock's evening forum appearance addressed both the Vance controversy and growing war concerns.
France
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The hostage release dominated coverage, with three Israeli-multinational captives transferred through Gaza to Israel, marking a rare moment of Hamas-Israel cooperation amid cease-fire uncertainty. The exchange included Palestinian prisoner releases in the West Bank.
At the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President J.D. Vance's confrontational speech against European democracy and freedom intensified the rift exposed by Trump-Putin negotiations. Zelensky warned Ukraine might not survive without US support.
François Bayrou met with Bétharram abuse victims, requesting additional magistrates while maintaining his past unawareness. Evening brought news of a fatal knife attack in Austria by a Syrian asylum seeker, killing a teenager and wounding others, echoing the previous day's Munich car-ramming incident.
At the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President J.D. Vance's confrontational speech against European democracy and freedom intensified the rift exposed by Trump-Putin negotiations. Zelensky warned Ukraine might not survive without US support.
François Bayrou met with Bétharram abuse victims, requesting additional magistrates while maintaining his past unawareness. Evening brought news of a fatal knife attack in Austria by a Syrian asylum seeker, killing a teenager and wounding others, echoing the previous day's Munich car-ramming incident.
Lebanon
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Attacks on UNIFIL vehicles near Beirut airport dominated morning coverage, with President Aoun condemning the incidents and security forces launching operations to apprehend perpetrators. By midday, 26 arrests were reported.
The sixth prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel proceeded, with three Israeli detainees released and Palestinian prisoners transported to Ramallah. Israeli forces maintained pressure in south Lebanon, burning houses in Meis al-Jabal and targeting Ainatha with drones.
Evening developments saw Israeli forces claiming a targeted strike against a Hezbollah Unit 127 member in Jerjou, allegedly responsible for recent drone launches. Army deployment dispersed an official Hezbollah sit-in on the airport road, while Iran signaled readiness for talks on resuming flights to Beirut. Discussion of alternative airports, particularly Qleiat, emerged in media coverage.
The sixth prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel proceeded, with three Israeli detainees released and Palestinian prisoners transported to Ramallah. Israeli forces maintained pressure in south Lebanon, burning houses in Meis al-Jabal and targeting Ainatha with drones.
Evening developments saw Israeli forces claiming a targeted strike against a Hezbollah Unit 127 member in Jerjou, allegedly responsible for recent drone launches. Army deployment dispersed an official Hezbollah sit-in on the airport road, while Iran signaled readiness for talks on resuming flights to Beirut. Discussion of alternative airports, particularly Qleiat, emerged in media coverage.
Ukraine
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage centered on Zelenskyy's stark warnings at Munich Security Conference about Ukraine's survival prospects without US military support, while firefighters contained a Russian drone strike at Chornobyl's protective structures. Vance's accusation of WSJ misrepresenting his statements about US troop deployment sparked media debate.
By afternoon, AP's revelation of Europe's secret planning for post-war military presence in Ukraine shifted attention from US support concerns. Military reports indicated unprecedented intensity with 176 combat clashes, primarily in Kupiansk and Pokrovsk sectors.
Evening brought confirmation of Trump-Putin meeting preparations in Saudi Arabia, while Kellogg outlined potential peace terms requiring Russian territorial concessions. The day concluded with reports of 250 Russian attacks, marking the most intense fighting of 2025.
By afternoon, AP's revelation of Europe's secret planning for post-war military presence in Ukraine shifted attention from US support concerns. Military reports indicated unprecedented intensity with 176 combat clashes, primarily in Kupiansk and Pokrovsk sectors.
Evening brought confirmation of Trump-Putin meeting preparations in Saudi Arabia, while Kellogg outlined potential peace terms requiring Russian territorial concessions. The day concluded with reports of 250 Russian attacks, marking the most intense fighting of 2025.
Palestine
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The sixth prisoner exchange dominated morning coverage, with resistance groups in Khan Younis handing over three Israeli prisoners to the Red Cross. The exchange occurred against backdrop of intensifying regional diplomacy, with Jordan and 70 US organizations rejecting Trump's displacement proposals. President Abbas addressed the African Summit, explicitly opposing any "new Deal of the Century."
Military operations continued in the West Bank, with four Palestinians killed in Askar and Nur Shams camps. By evening, Israeli families accused Netanyahu's government of deliberately obstructing the exchange process. Egyptian mediators increased pressure to begin second-phase negotiations, while Israel pushed to accelerate remaining exchanges. Reports emerged of Israel seeking to release six living prisoners from Gaza in a single batch in exchange for allowing mobile homes entry.
The day concluded with protests across European capitals against displacement plans, while Lebanon reported casualties from Israeli strikes.
Military operations continued in the West Bank, with four Palestinians killed in Askar and Nur Shams camps. By evening, Israeli families accused Netanyahu's government of deliberately obstructing the exchange process. Egyptian mediators increased pressure to begin second-phase negotiations, while Israel pushed to accelerate remaining exchanges. Reports emerged of Israel seeking to release six living prisoners from Gaza in a single batch in exchange for allowing mobile homes entry.
The day concluded with protests across European capitals against displacement plans, while Lebanon reported casualties from Israeli strikes.
UK
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The morning opened with a Hamas-Israel hostage exchange, releasing three Israelis for 369 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange proceeded despite Trump's calls for a "hard stance" on Gaza.
By afternoon, Zelensky called for a "European army" to counter Russia, as US envoys announced Europe's exclusion from Ukraine-Russia peace talks. This development follows Vance's confrontational Munich speech from yesterday and Trump's direct negotiations with Putin.
Evening brought European responses, with Macron calling an emergency summit and Starmer pledging to "keep US and Europe together." The summit announcement marks a shift from traditional US-European diplomatic channels, as European leaders attempt to maintain influence over Ukraine's future.
A Syrian asylum seeker's knife attack in Austria, killing a 14-year-old, added to ongoing European immigration debates following yesterday's Munich vehicle ramming.
By afternoon, Zelensky called for a "European army" to counter Russia, as US envoys announced Europe's exclusion from Ukraine-Russia peace talks. This development follows Vance's confrontational Munich speech from yesterday and Trump's direct negotiations with Putin.
Evening brought European responses, with Macron calling an emergency summit and Starmer pledging to "keep US and Europe together." The summit announcement marks a shift from traditional US-European diplomatic channels, as European leaders attempt to maintain influence over Ukraine's future.
A Syrian asylum seeker's knife attack in Austria, killing a 14-year-old, added to ongoing European immigration debates following yesterday's Munich vehicle ramming.
Iran
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The murder of Tehran University student Amirmohammad Khaleghi continued dominating coverage, with his father revealing he was killed on his first day of work, shortly after a cheerful call home. The dormitory director resigned as protests intensified. State media announced arrests of suspects while attempting to frame the incident as common crime. The university's request to remove the police post near the murder site marked a significant development.
Morning coverage focused on Hamas releasing three Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while international attention centered on detained British couples in Iran. By afternoon, state media highlighted new underwater drone capabilities and military salary increases, attempting to shift focus from campus unrest. Evening brought news of Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon, while economic coverage detailed new electronic food voucher distribution plans.
Morning coverage focused on Hamas releasing three Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while international attention centered on detained British couples in Iran. By afternoon, state media highlighted new underwater drone capabilities and military salary increases, attempting to shift focus from campus unrest. Evening brought news of Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon, while economic coverage detailed new electronic food voucher distribution plans.
Russia
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
A pre-dawn raid at Moscow's Savoy hotel during Hakamada's DJ performance set media tone against internal opposition. Russian sources reported intercepting 40 Ukrainian drones, leading to temporary closure of seven airports. By midday, Hamas released Russian hostage Alexander Trufanov after 500 days, alongside two others.
The diplomatic breakthrough came in evening hours, as Lavrov and Rubio held their first direct call. Bloomberg revealed preparations for a Putin-Trump summit in Saudi Arabia, with preliminary meetings scheduled between representatives. Russian media emphasized Ukraine's exclusion from these talks while highlighting Zelensky's statement about Ukraine's dependence on US support.
Abkhazia's presidential election, covered throughout the day, closed with 65% turnout. State media linked Trump's envoy statements about excluding Europe from negotiations to Hungarian blocking of Ukraine's EU accession talks.
The diplomatic breakthrough came in evening hours, as Lavrov and Rubio held their first direct call. Bloomberg revealed preparations for a Putin-Trump summit in Saudi Arabia, with preliminary meetings scheduled between representatives. Russian media emphasized Ukraine's exclusion from these talks while highlighting Zelensky's statement about Ukraine's dependence on US support.
Abkhazia's presidential election, covered throughout the day, closed with 65% turnout. State media linked Trump's envoy statements about excluding Europe from negotiations to Hungarian blocking of Ukraine's EU accession talks.
Italy
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Three Israeli hostages were released in Khan Younis through Red Cross mediation, while Moscow continued its diplomatic offensive against Mattarella over his Nazi comparison. US officials headed to Riyadh for Russia-Ukraine talks, with EU notably excluded, prompting Crosetto's warning about Europe's potential "deflagration" and need for Meloni's mediation.
Tennis player Sinner's three-month doping suspension agreement with WADA dominated afternoon coverage, while a Syrian resident's knife attack in Villach, Austria, killing a 14-year-old, triggered security concerns. Pope Francis's condition required cancellation of Sunday's Angelus.
Evening coverage centered on Sanremo Festival's finale, with Conti, Marcuzzi, and Cattelan hosting, while US-Russia negotiations proceeded without EU participation, marking a shift in diplomatic dynamics that began with Trump's direct engagement earlier in the week.
Tennis player Sinner's three-month doping suspension agreement with WADA dominated afternoon coverage, while a Syrian resident's knife attack in Villach, Austria, killing a 14-year-old, triggered security concerns. Pope Francis's condition required cancellation of Sunday's Angelus.
Evening coverage centered on Sanremo Festival's finale, with Conti, Marcuzzi, and Cattelan hosting, while US-Russia negotiations proceeded without EU participation, marking a shift in diplomatic dynamics that began with Trump's direct engagement earlier in the week.
Japan
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Trump's announcement of April 2nd auto tariffs dominated morning coverage, building on previous days' steel tariff tensions. Media attention shifted between different aspects of the story throughout the day, calculating potential 6 trillion yen impact on Japanese exports. Nippon Steel's U.S. Steel acquisition strategy received renewed scrutiny in this context.
The Aomori hospital murder cover-up investigation deepened, revealing systematic falsification of death certificates marking most deaths as pneumonia. Documents showed dozens of physician signatures, suggesting institutionalized misconduct.
Reports from Ukraine's frontline highlighted resource depletion, while coverage of U.S.-China tensions increased following Wang Yi's Munich speech challenging U.S. pressure. Coverage concluded with rescue of a Japanese teen from Myanmar fraud operations, marking expansion of regional cyber-crime concerns.
The Aomori hospital murder cover-up investigation deepened, revealing systematic falsification of death certificates marking most deaths as pneumonia. Documents showed dozens of physician signatures, suggesting institutionalized misconduct.
Reports from Ukraine's frontline highlighted resource depletion, while coverage of U.S.-China tensions increased following Wang Yi's Munich speech challenging U.S. pressure. Coverage concluded with rescue of a Japanese teen from Myanmar fraud operations, marking expansion of regional cyber-crime concerns.
Netherlands
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Morning headlines focused on Hamas's release of three Israeli hostages after 500 days of captivity, alongside 369 Palestinian prisoners. This development occurred despite previous threats from Hamas to suspend negotiations.
The Munich Security Conference dominated coverage throughout the day. Republican J.D. Vance's confrontational speech supporting European populist movements created waves across European media. Zelensky's warning about Ukraine's survival without US support triggered multiple responses, including Rutte's call for European self-reliance and Scholz's proposal to exclude defense spending from EU budget rules.
By evening, coverage shifted to concrete proposals for European military independence, with increasing calls for an EU army. The Netherlands, through security chief Schoof, expressed support for participating in a deterrence force in Ukraine, while US representatives notably excluded European participation from peace talks with Russia.
The Munich Security Conference dominated coverage throughout the day. Republican J.D. Vance's confrontational speech supporting European populist movements created waves across European media. Zelensky's warning about Ukraine's survival without US support triggered multiple responses, including Rutte's call for European self-reliance and Scholz's proposal to exclude defense spending from EU budget rules.
By evening, coverage shifted to concrete proposals for European military independence, with increasing calls for an EU army. The Netherlands, through security chief Schoof, expressed support for participating in a deterrence force in Ukraine, while US representatives notably excluded European participation from peace talks with Russia.
India
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The second US deportation flight landed in Amritsar early morning carrying 119 Indians, despite Punjab CM's objections. The media focused on CVC's probe order into Delhi CM Kejriwal's official residence renovations, while BJP claimed victory in Chhattisgarh municipal elections.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar responded to Western criticism at Munich Security Conference by displaying his ink-marked finger, defending India's democratic credentials. The Mahakumbh's record attendance of 50 crore visitors over 33 days dominated midday coverage.
By evening, a deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station claimed 15 lives, including 10 women and 3 children, as Kumbh pilgrims rushed to board delayed trains. The tragedy shifted attention from ongoing political developments to crowd management failures at the world's largest religious gathering.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar responded to Western criticism at Munich Security Conference by displaying his ink-marked finger, defending India's democratic credentials. The Mahakumbh's record attendance of 50 crore visitors over 33 days dominated midday coverage.
By evening, a deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station claimed 15 lives, including 10 women and 3 children, as Kumbh pilgrims rushed to board delayed trains. The tragedy shifted attention from ongoing political developments to crowd management failures at the world's largest religious gathering.
Poland
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
A morning Russian drone strike on Chernobyl generated initial concern, while tax season opened with a new mobile filing system. By mid-morning, Zelenskyy's Munich speech proposed a "European army" concept, responding to growing isolation from US-Russia talks.
The afternoon brought General Kellogg's confirmation that Europe would be excluded from peace negotiations, citing lessons from the Minsk agreements. This prompted emergency consultations between European leaders, with Sikorski reaching out to Macron. Reports emerged of Saudi Arabia potentially hosting US-Russia talks.
Evening coverage revealed Rubio-Lavrov discussions about "potential cooperation," while Trump's team outlined plans to separate Russia from its Chinese and Iranian alliances. Chinese military aircraft operations over Europe and British plans to supply Russian tanks to Ukraine completed the day's security developments.
The afternoon brought General Kellogg's confirmation that Europe would be excluded from peace negotiations, citing lessons from the Minsk agreements. This prompted emergency consultations between European leaders, with Sikorski reaching out to Macron. Reports emerged of Saudi Arabia potentially hosting US-Russia talks.
Evening coverage revealed Rubio-Lavrov discussions about "potential cooperation," while Trump's team outlined plans to separate Russia from its Chinese and Iranian alliances. Chinese military aircraft operations over Europe and British plans to supply Russian tanks to Ukraine completed the day's security developments.
Spain
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage centered on Hamas's release of three hostages while warning Netanyahu about deal compliance. The defense factory in Trubia continued its revenue surge from Trump's military spending plans. By afternoon, Zelensky's call for a European army dominated headlines, positioning it as essential for gaining US respect under Trump. Scholz confronted US Vice President Vance over democratic interference, while Trump's team explicitly excluded Europeans from Ukraine peace talks.
Internal coalition tensions over minimum wage taxation persisted, with Treasury maintaining its position despite opposition. The government's divide deepened as budget negotiations stalled. Trump announced reciprocal tariffs against the EU, continuing the economic confrontation that began with steel tariffs. By evening, US-Russia negotiations for a Trump-Putin summit were confirmed, furthering the previous days' pattern of European exclusion from Ukraine peace initiatives.
Internal coalition tensions over minimum wage taxation persisted, with Treasury maintaining its position despite opposition. The government's divide deepened as budget negotiations stalled. Trump announced reciprocal tariffs against the EU, continuing the economic confrontation that began with steel tariffs. By evening, US-Russia negotiations for a Trump-Putin summit were confirmed, furthering the previous days' pattern of European exclusion from Ukraine peace initiatives.
Turkey
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Morning headlines centered on the removal of Van Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Abdullah Zeydan, with the appointment of a state trustee. Pro-government media linked the decision to terror investigations, while opposition sources framed it as retaliation for recent protests. The move triggered responses from CHP leadership and sparked demonstrations.
By mid-day, news emerged of contract terminations at Batman Municipality, affecting 112 employees, while FETÖ operations resulted in 103 detentions nationwide. Foreign Minister Fidan's statements at the Munich Security Conference regarding Syria and PKK/YPG dominated afternoon coverage.
Evening brought the arrest of Demirören Holding board member Tayfun Demirören, marking a significant development in ongoing investigations into business leaders, following yesterday's TÜSİAD controversy. Reports of 219 detentions in Van closed the day's coverage.
By mid-day, news emerged of contract terminations at Batman Municipality, affecting 112 employees, while FETÖ operations resulted in 103 detentions nationwide. Foreign Minister Fidan's statements at the Munich Security Conference regarding Syria and PKK/YPG dominated afternoon coverage.
Evening brought the arrest of Demirören Holding board member Tayfun Demirören, marking a significant development in ongoing investigations into business leaders, following yesterday's TÜSİAD controversy. Reports of 219 detentions in Van closed the day's coverage.
China
•15.02.2025
•Saturday
•190 days ago
•⌨
State media marked the conclusion of Harbin Asian Winter Games while amplifying Xi's "AI+" initiatives, continuing the technological sovereignty narrative from previous days' DeepSeek coverage. Wang Yi's statements at the Munich Security Conference regarding US-China relations and the Ukraine crisis emerged as morning focal points.
By midday, attention shifted to Xi's congratulatory message to the African Union Summit, while party media highlighted his Qiushi article on party discipline. The collapse of children's coding education company Tongcheng Tongmei's US listing attempt provided business media with a counter-narrative to the week's AI triumph stories.
Coverage later pivoted to Tianjin's adoption of DeepSeek technology, connecting to previous days' AI governance themes from the Paris summit, while state media maintained parallel coverage of defense responses to Philippines' missile deployment plans.
By midday, attention shifted to Xi's congratulatory message to the African Union Summit, while party media highlighted his Qiushi article on party discipline. The collapse of children's coding education company Tongcheng Tongmei's US listing attempt provided business media with a counter-narrative to the week's AI triumph stories.
Coverage later pivoted to Tianjin's adoption of DeepSeek technology, connecting to previous days' AI governance themes from the Paris summit, while state media maintained parallel coverage of defense responses to Philippines' missile deployment plans.
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