February 16, 2025
US
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The mass federal workforce reductions expanded to include IRS personnel during tax season, while Trump representatives prepared for the first US-Russian talks on Ukraine since 2022. Morning headlines focused on chaos within federal agencies as thousands received termination notices.
By early afternoon, diplomatic developments accelerated as Senator Rubio met with Netanyahu in Israel while White House envoys headed to Saudi Arabia for Ukraine negotiations. Zelenskyy publicly rejected a proposed US mineral rights deal, warning about Russian-NATO conflict possibilities.
Evening coverage shifted to Trump's Supreme Court petition to expand presidential firing authority over independent agency heads, building on previous days' institutional restructuring. The administration's attempts to reshape federal workforce faced multiple legal challenges, while European allies expressed concern over potential NATO realignment. Severe flooding in the Southeast provided backdrop to the political developments, with at least nine reported deaths.
By early afternoon, diplomatic developments accelerated as Senator Rubio met with Netanyahu in Israel while White House envoys headed to Saudi Arabia for Ukraine negotiations. Zelenskyy publicly rejected a proposed US mineral rights deal, warning about Russian-NATO conflict possibilities.
Evening coverage shifted to Trump's Supreme Court petition to expand presidential firing authority over independent agency heads, building on previous days' institutional restructuring. The administration's attempts to reshape federal workforce faced multiple legal challenges, while European allies expressed concern over potential NATO realignment. Severe flooding in the Southeast provided backdrop to the political developments, with at least nine reported deaths.
Israel
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Morning testimonies from released hostages Sasha Trofimov, Sagi Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn revealed details of their 498-day captivity: torture, weight loss, and contaminated water consumption. Netanyahu and Secretary Rubio's meeting focused on Iran's nuclear program, while discussing Trump's vision for Gaza.
By afternoon, the IDF announced plans to release October 7 investigation findings starting February 25, notably excluding personal conclusions about officers' responsibility. Negotiations for Phase B gained momentum as Trump's envoy Witkoff confirmed ongoing talks, contradicting Netanyahu's earlier stance.
Evening testimonies from hostages' families revealed Trofimov was shot in both legs during capture, while Dekel-Chen counted 43 million seconds in captivity without knowing if his family survived. Hamas recordings exposed internal disputes over leadership priorities.
By afternoon, the IDF announced plans to release October 7 investigation findings starting February 25, notably excluding personal conclusions about officers' responsibility. Negotiations for Phase B gained momentum as Trump's envoy Witkoff confirmed ongoing talks, contradicting Netanyahu's earlier stance.
Evening testimonies from hostages' families revealed Trofimov was shot in both legs during capture, while Dekel-Chen counted 43 million seconds in captivity without knowing if his family survived. Hamas recordings exposed internal disputes over leadership priorities.
Germany
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The aftermath of Munich's terror attack and Vance's controversial Security Conference speech merged into a day of political confrontation. Early reporting focused on Austrian authorities announcing mass screening of asylum seekers following the Villach IS attack. By afternoon, European leaders processed Vance's meeting with AfD, while the Kremlin praised his "brave" stance.
The evening culminated in RTL's "Quadrell" debate, where Scholz, Merz, Habeck, and Weidel clashed over migration, Ukraine policy, and Trump's influence. Merz explicitly rejected cooperation with AfD and Höcke while showing openness to SPD coalition. Weidel's refusal to distance herself from the "Vogelschiss" comment and her pro-Putin stance drew sharp criticism from other candidates. The debate revealed unexpected alignment between Merz and Scholz on several issues, including development of Tempelhof Field against public referendum.
The evening culminated in RTL's "Quadrell" debate, where Scholz, Merz, Habeck, and Weidel clashed over migration, Ukraine policy, and Trump's influence. Merz explicitly rejected cooperation with AfD and Höcke while showing openness to SPD coalition. Weidel's refusal to distance herself from the "Vogelschiss" comment and her pro-Putin stance drew sharp criticism from other candidates. The debate revealed unexpected alignment between Merz and Scholz on several issues, including development of Tempelhof Field against public referendum.
France
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
European leaders scrambled to maintain relevance after being excluded from US-Russia negotiations over Ukraine. Macron announced an emergency European security summit in Paris for Monday, gathering key EU states to formulate a response. This followed the previous day's Munich conference tensions.
The morning saw multiple reports of Trump-Putin alignment on mineral rights negotiations in Ukraine, while digital archivists mobilized against Trump's ordered purge of federal websites. By afternoon, French media focused on the ISIS trial of Mehdi Nemmouche for torturing French journalists in Syria, linking past and present security concerns.
Evening coverage centered on a 17-year-old attacking police with samurai swords in Vitry, while European military capabilities assessments showed Poland's emergence as a leading force on NATO's eastern flank.
The morning saw multiple reports of Trump-Putin alignment on mineral rights negotiations in Ukraine, while digital archivists mobilized against Trump's ordered purge of federal websites. By afternoon, French media focused on the ISIS trial of Mehdi Nemmouche for torturing French journalists in Syria, linking past and present security concerns.
Evening coverage centered on a 17-year-old attacking police with samurai swords in Vitry, while European military capabilities assessments showed Poland's emergence as a leading force on NATO's eastern flank.
Lebanon
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage focused on US weapons delivery to Israel, including MK-84 bombs, while Hamas released a Russian-Israeli prisoner. The situation escalated when residents of Houla bypassed Lebanese Army barriers to return home, resulting in Israeli fire killing a woman and capturing five civilians. Hezbollah's deputy Naim Qassem demanded complete Israeli withdrawal by February 18, while addressing the Iranian aircraft crisis that emerged in previous days.
The Lebanese government suspended Iranian flights until February 18, following US warnings of potential Israeli strikes on the airport. Saudi Arabia expressed support for the new Lebanese administration's security measures. Israeli forces conducted demolitions near Kfarshouba, while G7 nations welcomed Lebanon's recent political developments.
By evening, UNIFIL issued a statement regarding the previous day's attack on its convoy near Beirut airport, classifying it as "unacceptable."
The Lebanese government suspended Iranian flights until February 18, following US warnings of potential Israeli strikes on the airport. Saudi Arabia expressed support for the new Lebanese administration's security measures. Israeli forces conducted demolitions near Kfarshouba, while G7 nations welcomed Lebanon's recent political developments.
By evening, UNIFIL issued a statement regarding the previous day's attack on its convoy near Beirut airport, classifying it as "unacceptable."
Ukraine
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Russian forces launched massive drone attacks on Mykolaiv's infrastructure, leaving 100,000 without heat. Ukrainian air defense intercepted 95 drones across 10 regions. In Pokrovsk direction, Ukrainian forces liberated Pishchane village, marking a tactical shift.
At Munich, discussions continued regarding peace formats, with Trump's team excluding European participation while Scholz insisted on EU involvement. Reports emerged of imminent US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, while Ukraine rejected Trump administration's demands for control over rare earth metals extraction.
For the first time, Zelenskyy revealed military casualties: 46,000 killed and tens of thousands missing. Bloomberg reported Trump administration's aim for Easter ceasefire. The day concluded with Zelenskyy arriving in UAE, Ukraine's key mediator for prisoner exchanges, while air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv.
At Munich, discussions continued regarding peace formats, with Trump's team excluding European participation while Scholz insisted on EU involvement. Reports emerged of imminent US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, while Ukraine rejected Trump administration's demands for control over rare earth metals extraction.
For the first time, Zelenskyy revealed military casualties: 46,000 killed and tens of thousands missing. Bloomberg reported Trump administration's aim for Easter ceasefire. The day concluded with Zelenskyy arriving in UAE, Ukraine's key mediator for prisoner exchanges, while air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv.
Palestine
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The Ministry of Public Works released figures showing 280,000 housing units in Gaza as completely destroyed, while hospitals reported operating at 15% capacity. Three police officers were killed in Rafah while securing aid distribution, marking another violation of the ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu blocked entry of mobile homes despite prior arrangements, while claiming an undisclosed strategy with Trump.
By afternoon, Egyptian President announced plans for Gaza reconstruction without displacement, as G7 ministers demanded Hamas exclusion from future governance. A Netanyahu-Trump alignment emerged more clearly, with statements about "opening hell's gates" and shared regional plans. Israeli Supreme Court rejected petition to reveal Hamas deal details.
Evening brought reports of severe oxygen shortages in northern Gaza hospitals, while prison authorities conducted widespread suppression operations in Ofer, using gas and physical force against inmates.
By afternoon, Egyptian President announced plans for Gaza reconstruction without displacement, as G7 ministers demanded Hamas exclusion from future governance. A Netanyahu-Trump alignment emerged more clearly, with statements about "opening hell's gates" and shared regional plans. Israeli Supreme Court rejected petition to reveal Hamas deal details.
Evening brought reports of severe oxygen shortages in northern Gaza hospitals, while prison authorities conducted widespread suppression operations in Ofer, using gas and physical force against inmates.
UK
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
European leaders prepared for Macron's emergency summit as Ukraine learned of its exclusion from US-Russia peace talks in Saudi Arabia. The development follows Trump's direct negotiations with Putin and Vance's Munich speech, marking a shift in diplomatic channels.
By midday, Zelensky warned of "100% risk" of Russian occupation of Europe if US exits NATO, while former UK PM condemned US "cuddling up" to Putin. Breitbart revealed Trump's administration demanding Europeans list available troops and weapons for a Ukraine peacekeeping force.
Evening brought Starmer's commitment to deploy British troops in Ukraine under a peace deal, followed by the PM's similar stance. The position marks a departure from previous British policy of avoiding direct military involvement, suggesting preparation for post-peace European security arrangements without US guarantees.
By midday, Zelensky warned of "100% risk" of Russian occupation of Europe if US exits NATO, while former UK PM condemned US "cuddling up" to Putin. Breitbart revealed Trump's administration demanding Europeans list available troops and weapons for a Ukraine peacekeeping force.
Evening brought Starmer's commitment to deploy British troops in Ukraine under a peace deal, followed by the PM's similar stance. The position marks a departure from previous British policy of avoiding direct military involvement, suggesting preparation for post-peace European security arrangements without US guarantees.
Iran
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage focused on emerging Ukraine peace talks in Saudi Arabia, with Rubio leading US delegation without European participation - a significant shift in diplomatic channels. The Tehran University murder case continued developing, with authorities announcing arrests while student protests demanded an independent investigation.
By afternoon, Netanyahu and Rubio's meeting in Israel redirected media attention to Iran's regional role, with both officials making strong statements about preventing Iran's nuclear development. State media attempted to counter this narrative by highlighting Iran's diplomatic initiatives at the Indian Ocean Rim conference.
Evening brought Hezbollah's warnings about Trump's Gaza plan, which state media framed as "political genocide." Coverage of abandoned Iranian bases in Syria emerged in foreign press, while domestic media emphasized upcoming satellite launches and weather warnings about an approaching polar vortex.
By afternoon, Netanyahu and Rubio's meeting in Israel redirected media attention to Iran's regional role, with both officials making strong statements about preventing Iran's nuclear development. State media attempted to counter this narrative by highlighting Iran's diplomatic initiatives at the Indian Ocean Rim conference.
Evening brought Hezbollah's warnings about Trump's Gaza plan, which state media framed as "political genocide." Coverage of abandoned Iranian bases in Syria emerged in foreign press, while domestic media emphasized upcoming satellite launches and weather warnings about an approaching polar vortex.
Russia
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The first anniversary of Navalny's death dominated morning coverage, with large crowds gathering at his grave in Moscow and global memorial events. His mother and widow made public statements demanding justice, while state media maintained minimal coverage of the commemorations.
By midday, attention shifted to diplomatic developments as US and Russian delegations prepared for talks in Saudi Arabia. The Kremlin released details of the Putin-Trump conversation, emphasizing its "constructive tone" while maintaining Ukraine's exclusion from initial negotiations. Reports emerged of Trump seeking an Easter ceasefire.
Evening brought news of three civilian deaths from drone strikes in Belgorod region, while Russian forces claimed advances near Krasnoarmeysk. The date for Saudi talks was confirmed for February 18, marking a significant shift from the Munich Security Conference's increasingly pessimistic tone about European involvement in peace negotiations.
By midday, attention shifted to diplomatic developments as US and Russian delegations prepared for talks in Saudi Arabia. The Kremlin released details of the Putin-Trump conversation, emphasizing its "constructive tone" while maintaining Ukraine's exclusion from initial negotiations. Reports emerged of Trump seeking an Easter ceasefire.
Evening brought news of three civilian deaths from drone strikes in Belgorod region, while Russian forces claimed advances near Krasnoarmeysk. The date for Saudi talks was confirmed for February 18, marking a significant shift from the Munich Security Conference's increasingly pessimistic tone about European involvement in peace negotiations.
Italy
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The Sanremo Festival concluded with Olly's victory, causing controversy due to Giorgia's exclusion from the top five. The festival's final night achieved 72.7% viewership share under Carlo Conti's direction.
By morning, attention shifted to Europe's diplomatic response to its exclusion from US-Russia negotiations, as Macron convened an emergency summit in Paris with leaders from seven nations, including Meloni. The move follows Trump's initiative for direct Ukraine-Russia talks in Riyadh.
Netanyahu's warning about "unleashing hell" if hostages aren't returned accompanied news of Hamas releasing three more captives. A magnitude 3.9 earthquake in Naples' Campi Flegrei area marked the afternoon, while evening coverage focused on US aims for a Ukraine ceasefire by Easter, despite excluding European partners from negotiations.
By morning, attention shifted to Europe's diplomatic response to its exclusion from US-Russia negotiations, as Macron convened an emergency summit in Paris with leaders from seven nations, including Meloni. The move follows Trump's initiative for direct Ukraine-Russia talks in Riyadh.
Netanyahu's warning about "unleashing hell" if hostages aren't returned accompanied news of Hamas releasing three more captives. A magnitude 3.9 earthquake in Naples' Campi Flegrei area marked the afternoon, while evening coverage focused on US aims for a Ukraine ceasefire by Easter, despite excluding European partners from negotiations.
Japan
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Morning headlines focused on U.S. Special Envoy Kellogg's proposal for Ukrainian territorial concessions to Russia, generating European resistance and highlighting U.S.-EU strategic divergence. These developments coincided with reports of planned U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia.
Poll results showed divided public response to the Ishiba-Trump summit, with approval ratings ranging from 28% to 50.1% across different surveys. The variance reflects ongoing tension over U.S. auto tariffs and Nippon Steel's acquisition strategy.
The government's healthcare cost controversy intensified as National Party questioned the system allowing short-term visitors to receive substantial benefits. By afternoon, both ruling and opposition parties engaged in debate over potential reforms to the high-cost medical care system, while business coverage highlighted concerns about metropolitan concentration of political power by 2050.
Poll results showed divided public response to the Ishiba-Trump summit, with approval ratings ranging from 28% to 50.1% across different surveys. The variance reflects ongoing tension over U.S. auto tariffs and Nippon Steel's acquisition strategy.
The government's healthcare cost controversy intensified as National Party questioned the system allowing short-term visitors to receive substantial benefits. By afternoon, both ruling and opposition parties engaged in debate over potential reforms to the high-cost medical care system, while business coverage highlighted concerns about metropolitan concentration of political power by 2050.
Netherlands
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
European mineral dependencies and military capabilities dominated morning coverage, as newspapers reported on resistance to local mining operations despite critical resource needs. The Munich Security Conference revealed deepening transatlantic rifts, with European leaders scrambling to secure a place in US-Russia peace talks for Ukraine.
By afternoon, coverage shifted to an IS-linked attack in Austria, where a Syrian asylum seeker who radicalized through TikTok killed one person. Zelensky's warning about Putin's potential NATO invasion plans emerged alongside discussions of European security arrangements without US support.
Evening reports focused on European leaders' attempts to establish independent deterrence capabilities, with Netherlands considering F-35s, naval assets, and Patriot systems for a Ukraine peacekeeping force. German election debates intensified over AfD threats, while Russians queued to honor Navalny's grave despite state restrictions.
By afternoon, coverage shifted to an IS-linked attack in Austria, where a Syrian asylum seeker who radicalized through TikTok killed one person. Zelensky's warning about Putin's potential NATO invasion plans emerged alongside discussions of European security arrangements without US support.
Evening reports focused on European leaders' attempts to establish independent deterrence capabilities, with Netherlands considering F-35s, naval assets, and Patriot systems for a Ukraine peacekeeping force. German election debates intensified over AfD threats, while Russians queued to honor Navalny's grave despite state restrictions.
India
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The death toll from yesterday's New Delhi Railway Station stampede reached 18, with investigations revealing confusion over similarly named Kumbh-bound trains as a key factor. Morning coverage focused on identification procedures at hospitals, where relatives were shown photos instead of bodies. Railways announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for deceased families and Rs 2.5 lakh for the injured.
By afternoon, attention shifted to the third US deportation flight landing in Amritsar with 112 Indians, continuing the controversial returns that began two days ago. The media highlighted accounts of shackled deportees during the 66-hour flight.
Evening coverage returned to the stampede aftermath as Railways announced four special Kumbh trains from Platform 16, with new entry-exit protocols through Ajmeri Gate. BJP's announcement of Delhi's new Chief Minister was postponed to tomorrow, with the oath ceremony scheduled for February 18.
By afternoon, attention shifted to the third US deportation flight landing in Amritsar with 112 Indians, continuing the controversial returns that began two days ago. The media highlighted accounts of shackled deportees during the 66-hour flight.
Evening coverage returned to the stampede aftermath as Railways announced four special Kumbh trains from Platform 16, with new entry-exit protocols through Ajmeri Gate. BJP's announcement of Delhi's new Chief Minister was postponed to tomorrow, with the oath ceremony scheduled for February 18.
Poland
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage centered on J.D. Vance's Munich speech effects, with parallel reports of Chinese aircraft operations over Europe interpreted as power projection. Details emerged of London's decision to supply Russian tanks to Ukraine, raising questions about their source.
By afternoon, Trump's Ukraine peace plan leaked through multiple channels, suggesting 20% territorial concession to Russia. Kyiv expressed shock at the proposal's terms. European leaders scrambled to organize an emergency summit in Paris, while news broke of upcoming US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia.
Evening brought confirmation from Trump's team about the peace initiative's timeline, while European media focused on their exclusion from negotiations. German immigration policy received attention after reports of migrant returns to Poland, with claims of 190 times more transfers than to Italy.
By afternoon, Trump's Ukraine peace plan leaked through multiple channels, suggesting 20% territorial concession to Russia. Kyiv expressed shock at the proposal's terms. European leaders scrambled to organize an emergency summit in Paris, while news broke of upcoming US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia.
Evening brought confirmation from Trump's team about the peace initiative's timeline, while European media focused on their exclusion from negotiations. German immigration policy received attention after reports of migrant returns to Poland, with claims of 190 times more transfers than to Italy.
Spain
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
The morning coverage centered on Trump's exclusion of Europe from Ukraine peace negotiations, triggering reactions across the continent. Macron responded by calling an emergency meeting of EU leaders, while Zelensky pushed for European military independence.
The far-right seized on recent attacks in Austria to boost anti-immigration rhetoric ahead of German elections. The European response to Trump's actions evolved through the day from initial shock to concrete action plans, with Spanish military analysts weighing in on defense autonomy requirements.
Russia intensified operations in Donbas, reportedly depleting ammunition before potential peace talks. Nobel laureate Stiglitz urged Europe to overcome its "inferiority complex" toward the US. By evening, coverage shifted to Trump's immigrant raids in New York, while Spanish media tracked Sánchez's commitment to attend Macron's emergency summit.
The far-right seized on recent attacks in Austria to boost anti-immigration rhetoric ahead of German elections. The European response to Trump's actions evolved through the day from initial shock to concrete action plans, with Spanish military analysts weighing in on defense autonomy requirements.
Russia intensified operations in Donbas, reportedly depleting ammunition before potential peace talks. Nobel laureate Stiglitz urged Europe to overcome its "inferiority complex" toward the US. By evening, coverage shifted to Trump's immigrant raids in New York, while Spanish media tracked Sánchez's commitment to attend Macron's emergency summit.
Turkey
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
A 4.8 earthquake in Bingöl and building evacuations in Istanbul marked the early hours, as meteorologists warned of unprecedented snowfall approaching Istanbul. The Van trustee appointment from yesterday continued generating reactions, with protests met by police intervention and multiple detentions.
TÜSİAD controversy from previous days escalated as MHP leader Bahçeli joined government criticism against the business organization, suggesting CHP consider TÜSİAD's chairman as their candidate. The Communications Directorate denied claims about Turkish Aeronautical Association trustee appointments.
By evening, Tayfun Demirören's release after one day in custody signaled possible shifts in the business leader investigations, while 34 bar associations issued statements regarding trustee appointments. The day closed with HÜDA-PAR's workshop drawing criticism from presidential advisor Uçum, who labeled it as "betrayal."
TÜSİAD controversy from previous days escalated as MHP leader Bahçeli joined government criticism against the business organization, suggesting CHP consider TÜSİAD's chairman as their candidate. The Communications Directorate denied claims about Turkish Aeronautical Association trustee appointments.
By evening, Tayfun Demirören's release after one day in custody signaled possible shifts in the business leader investigations, while 34 bar associations issued statements regarding trustee appointments. The day closed with HÜDA-PAR's workshop drawing criticism from presidential advisor Uçum, who labeled it as "betrayal."
China
•16.02.2025
•Sunday
•190 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage centered on Xi's message to the African Union Summit, continuing previous days' diplomatic positioning amid USAID's potential withdrawal from the Global South. DeepSeek's impact on Chinese tech stocks merged with agricultural modernization narratives, as state media highlighted technological sovereignty themes.
By midday, attention shifted to Fu Ying's confrontation with Philippines at the Munich Security Conference, while coverage of Gaza ceasefire negotiations revealed China's attempt to maintain influence in Middle East affairs. The synthesis of an ultra-hard "super diamond" by Chinese scientists provided technological achievement narrative ammunition.
Evening reports focused on the absence of US representatives at the G20 meeting in South Africa, with state media emphasizing China's readiness to fill the diplomatic void. Military media simultaneously tightened control over online military-related discussions, suggesting internal power consolidation efforts.
By midday, attention shifted to Fu Ying's confrontation with Philippines at the Munich Security Conference, while coverage of Gaza ceasefire negotiations revealed China's attempt to maintain influence in Middle East affairs. The synthesis of an ultra-hard "super diamond" by Chinese scientists provided technological achievement narrative ammunition.
Evening reports focused on the absence of US representatives at the G20 meeting in South Africa, with state media emphasizing China's readiness to fill the diplomatic void. Military media simultaneously tightened control over online military-related discussions, suggesting internal power consolidation efforts.
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