February 17, 2025
US
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The morning coverage centered on Trump's Supreme Court petition to expand presidential firing authority, while mass terminations continued across federal agencies, particularly affecting health services and FAA personnel. DOGE secured legal victories for accessing federal databases, including IRS systems, despite opposition from Senate Democrats.
By afternoon, European leaders convened an emergency meeting in Paris as the administration moved forward with Ukraine-Russia peace talks. Poland explicitly rejected troop deployment proposals, while the UK's Labour leader suggested British military involvement.
The evening was dominated by a Delta Airlines crash in Toronto, with a Minneapolis-originating plane flipping on landing, injuring 19 passengers. In New York, four deputy mayors resigned over Mayor Adams' reported arrangements with the Trump administration, extending the pattern of institutional upheaval that characterized the week's developments.
By afternoon, European leaders convened an emergency meeting in Paris as the administration moved forward with Ukraine-Russia peace talks. Poland explicitly rejected troop deployment proposals, while the UK's Labour leader suggested British military involvement.
The evening was dominated by a Delta Airlines crash in Toronto, with a Minneapolis-originating plane flipping on landing, injuring 19 passengers. In New York, four deputy mayors resigned over Mayor Adams' reported arrangements with the Trump administration, extending the pattern of institutional upheaval that characterized the week's developments.
Israel
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The 500-day mark since October 7 brought new revelations about captivity conditions, with Ohad Ben-Ami describing six people confined to six square meters underground. Released hostage Ofer Calderon lost 25kg in captivity, with Hamas force-feeding him before release to conceal malnutrition.
By afternoon, Israel confirmed preparations to receive four hostage bodies on Thursday, while negotiating for six living hostages' release on Saturday. The IDF announced withdrawal from Lebanon except for five strategic outposts, tripling border forces.
Evening brought Yair Horn's first public testimony since his release two days prior, describing tunnel conditions and pleading for his brother's return. Reports revealed Hamas's Nukhba force had originally targeted Netivot but mistakenly reached Nova party. The War Cabinet convened to discuss Phase B parameters, while 83% of border evacuees returned home.
By afternoon, Israel confirmed preparations to receive four hostage bodies on Thursday, while negotiating for six living hostages' release on Saturday. The IDF announced withdrawal from Lebanon except for five strategic outposts, tripling border forces.
Evening brought Yair Horn's first public testimony since his release two days prior, describing tunnel conditions and pleading for his brother's return. Reports revealed Hamas's Nukhba force had originally targeted Netivot but mistakenly reached Nova party. The War Cabinet convened to discuss Phase B parameters, while 83% of border evacuees returned home.
Germany
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage dissected RTL's "Quadrell" debate, with Merz's opposition to AfD and American interference drawing particular attention. By noon, Baerbock's unintended disclosure of post-election Ukraine funding plans shifted focus to coalition dynamics. The afternoon brought reports of US questionnaires to NATO allies regarding potential peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, while Macron convened select European leaders in Paris, notably excluding Germany.
Evening's ARD "Wahlarena" revealed unexpected alignments: Scholz and Merz both rejected potential coalition cooperation, while Weidel acknowledged migration necessity before facing confrontation over her sexuality. Habeck admitted digitalization and construction policy failures. The broadcasts highlighted migration and Ukraine policy as primary electoral battlegrounds, while coalition possibilities narrowed.
Evening's ARD "Wahlarena" revealed unexpected alignments: Scholz and Merz both rejected potential coalition cooperation, while Weidel acknowledged migration necessity before facing confrontation over her sexuality. Habeck admitted digitalization and construction policy failures. The broadcasts highlighted migration and Ukraine policy as primary electoral battlegrounds, while coalition possibilities narrowed.
France
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
Following Trump's announcement of imminent Putin meeting and J.D. Vance's hostile Munich speech, European leaders gathered in Paris for an emergency summit. The morning saw Macron's phone call with Trump, while Saudi Arabia prepared to host US-Russia talks in Riyadh.
By afternoon, deep divisions emerged among European states regarding potential deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine, with the UK signaling readiness while Germany's Scholz opposed both troop discussions and any "diktat peace." The Kremlin declared Europeans who "want to continue the war" would be excluded from negotiations.
Evening headlines focused on Zelensky's scheduled visit to Riyadh, where US-Russia talks begin tomorrow. Meanwhile, a massive recall of 240,000 Citroën vehicles due to Takata airbag defects highlighted France's domestic concerns.
By afternoon, deep divisions emerged among European states regarding potential deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine, with the UK signaling readiness while Germany's Scholz opposed both troop discussions and any "diktat peace." The Kremlin declared Europeans who "want to continue the war" would be excluded from negotiations.
Evening headlines focused on Zelensky's scheduled visit to Riyadh, where US-Russia talks begin tomorrow. Meanwhile, a massive recall of 240,000 Citroën vehicles due to Takata airbag defects highlighted France's domestic concerns.
Lebanon
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The Israeli military announced it would maintain control of five strategic points in South Lebanon, despite the withdrawal deadline. Cabinet approved a ministerial statement notably excluding references to "resistance" while affirming state monopoly on arms. Israeli forces conducted operations in Kfar Shouba, burning homes.
A targeted strike in Sidon killed a Hamas operations commander, marking the first such operation since the ceasefire. The Security Council at Baabda extended the suspension of Iranian flights while issuing strict orders to keep the airport road open, following recent UNIFIL attacks.
By evening, Israeli forces began partial withdrawal from border villages, with Lebanese Army units deploying to vacated areas. The withdrawal excluded the five strategic points, setting up potential confrontation over these positions.
A targeted strike in Sidon killed a Hamas operations commander, marking the first such operation since the ceasefire. The Security Council at Baabda extended the suspension of Iranian flights while issuing strict orders to keep the airport road open, following recent UNIFIL attacks.
By evening, Israeli forces began partial withdrawal from border villages, with Lebanese Army units deploying to vacated areas. The withdrawal excluded the five strategic points, setting up potential confrontation over these positions.
Ukraine
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
Morning brought British Labour leader Starmer's readiness to deploy troops for peace implementation, while emergency power outages hit multiple regions following Russian drone strikes. Ukrainian forces struck Russian oil infrastructure, targeting Ilsky refinery and Kropotkinskaya pumping station.
By early afternoon, Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's exclusion from and rejection of US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, stating Ukraine wasn't informed and won't recognize resulting agreements. This revelation came alongside news of Washington Post reporting European considerations to deploy up to 30,000 troops to Ukraine.
Evening developments centered on European leaders' disagreements at the Paris summit regarding peacekeeping missions, while Trump's envoy Kellogg insisted no peace agreement would be imposed on Ukraine. The day concluded with renewed drone attacks on Kyiv's industrial areas, maintaining pressure on the capital's infrastructure.
By early afternoon, Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's exclusion from and rejection of US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, stating Ukraine wasn't informed and won't recognize resulting agreements. This revelation came alongside news of Washington Post reporting European considerations to deploy up to 30,000 troops to Ukraine.
Evening developments centered on European leaders' disagreements at the Paris summit regarding peacekeeping missions, while Trump's envoy Kellogg insisted no peace agreement would be imposed on Ukraine. The day concluded with renewed drone attacks on Kyiv's industrial areas, maintaining pressure on the capital's infrastructure.
Palestine
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
Israel's assassination of Hamas commander Mohammed Shaheen in Lebanon marked a significant escalation, while Egyptian-mediated negotiations for Phase Two remained stalled. Initial reports focused on the sharp decline in aid trucks entering Gaza, with only a quarter of previous volumes reaching the territory. By midday, Netanyahu declared neither Hamas nor Abbas would control post-war Gaza, as his delegation arrived in Cairo with three new demands.
The afternoon saw Smotrich calling for implementing Trump's displacement plan, while Peace Now revealed plans for 974 new settlement units in the southern West Bank. Evening brought confirmation of arrangements for the next prisoner exchange: Israel preparing to receive five bodies on Thursday and potentially six living prisoners on Saturday. The African Union's summit rejection of normalization with Israel gained prominence in Palestinian media coverage, while reports emerged of widespread torture in Israeli detention facilities.
The afternoon saw Smotrich calling for implementing Trump's displacement plan, while Peace Now revealed plans for 974 new settlement units in the southern West Bank. Evening brought confirmation of arrangements for the next prisoner exchange: Israel preparing to receive five bodies on Thursday and potentially six living prisoners on Saturday. The African Union's summit rejection of normalization with Israel gained prominence in Palestinian media coverage, while reports emerged of widespread torture in Israeli detention facilities.
UK
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
British leaders joined Europe's emergency response to US-Russia peace talks, with Starmer and the PM pledging British peacekeeping troops for Ukraine. The morning saw Russia explicitly rejecting European participation in Saudi negotiations, while Poland's Tusk declared refusal to send troops.
By afternoon, Zelenskyy stated Ukraine would not accept any deal made without its involvement. The Paris summit revealed deep divisions, with Germany's Scholz attempting to bridge the US-Europe gap. Evening brought Starmer's pivot to demanding US security guarantees as a "backstop" for any peace arrangement, marking a shift from morning's independent European posturing to acceptance of US leadership.
The media focus remained on diplomatic maneuvering, showing progression from previous days' European exclusion from peace talks to attempted assertion of relevance through military commitments, ending with acknowledgment of US primacy.
By afternoon, Zelenskyy stated Ukraine would not accept any deal made without its involvement. The Paris summit revealed deep divisions, with Germany's Scholz attempting to bridge the US-Europe gap. Evening brought Starmer's pivot to demanding US security guarantees as a "backstop" for any peace arrangement, marking a shift from morning's independent European posturing to acceptance of US leadership.
The media focus remained on diplomatic maneuvering, showing progression from previous days' European exclusion from peace talks to attempted assertion of relevance through military commitments, ending with acknowledgment of US primacy.
Iran
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
State media extensively covered Khamenei's address to East Azerbaijan residents, claiming readiness against "hard threats" while acknowledging public grievances - a notable shift from previous days' focus on campus unrest. The speech attempted to redirect attention from ongoing student protests at Tehran University.
Meanwhile, Russia-US talks in Riyadh deliberately excluded European participation, with Ukraine refusing to recognize the negotiations. Marco Rubio's arrival in Saudi Arabia signaled Trump's direct involvement in peace negotiations, while European leaders held an emergency meeting, revealing their diminishing influence.
Lebanon extended flight suspensions with Iran, while IRGC announced "True Promise 3" operation plans. Opposition media highlighted Israel's receipt of MK-84 bombs, contrasting with state media's claims of military preparedness.
Meanwhile, Russia-US talks in Riyadh deliberately excluded European participation, with Ukraine refusing to recognize the negotiations. Marco Rubio's arrival in Saudi Arabia signaled Trump's direct involvement in peace negotiations, while European leaders held an emergency meeting, revealing their diminishing influence.
Lebanon extended flight suspensions with Iran, while IRGC announced "True Promise 3" operation plans. Opposition media highlighted Israel's receipt of MK-84 bombs, contrasting with state media's claims of military preparedness.
Russia
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with reports of Ukrainian drone attacks, culminating in confirmation of 90 UAVs intercepted over Russian territory. A strike on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's infrastructure disrupted oil transit operations.
By midday, details emerged about the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, with Lavrov and Ushakov departing for Saudi Arabia. The Russian delegation firmly rejected territorial concessions to Ukraine and European participation in negotiations. Reports surfaced about potential US troop withdrawals from Baltic states.
Evening coverage centered on the Paris summit's implications, where European leaders discussed deploying 30,000 troops to Ukraine. Russian media emphasized growing divisions between US and European approaches, while maintaining focus on the bilateral nature of upcoming Riyadh talks. A Rosgvardiya general-major's arrest for corruption received minimal coverage despite its significance.
By midday, details emerged about the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, with Lavrov and Ushakov departing for Saudi Arabia. The Russian delegation firmly rejected territorial concessions to Ukraine and European participation in negotiations. Reports surfaced about potential US troop withdrawals from Baltic states.
Evening coverage centered on the Paris summit's implications, where European leaders discussed deploying 30,000 troops to Ukraine. Russian media emphasized growing divisions between US and European approaches, while maintaining focus on the bilateral nature of upcoming Riyadh talks. A Rosgvardiya general-major's arrest for corruption received minimal coverage despite its significance.
Italy
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
Moscow's diplomatic threats against Mattarella materialized into cyber attacks on Italian infrastructure, targeting transportation and banking systems. By morning, European leaders gathered in Paris for an emergency summit on Ukraine, while Trump announced imminent US-Russia talks in Riyadh.
The Vatican reported Pope Francis's condition had deteriorated, requiring extended hospitalization for a complex polymicrobial respiratory infection. Meanwhile, Scholz explicitly opposed discussions of European troop deployment in Ukraine, contradicting London's openness to peacekeeping forces.
By evening, the summit concluded with a split between Macron's push for military presence and German-Italian opposition. Starmer emphasized US guarantees as crucial for peace, while Tusk insisted on Kiev's involvement in all negotiations. The parallel diplomatic tracks - Paris's reactive summit and Riyadh's exclusive talks - highlighted Europe's diminishing role in Ukraine negotiations.
The Vatican reported Pope Francis's condition had deteriorated, requiring extended hospitalization for a complex polymicrobial respiratory infection. Meanwhile, Scholz explicitly opposed discussions of European troop deployment in Ukraine, contradicting London's openness to peacekeeping forces.
By evening, the summit concluded with a split between Macron's push for military presence and German-Italian opposition. Starmer emphasized US guarantees as crucial for peace, while Tusk insisted on Kiev's involvement in all negotiations. The parallel diplomatic tracks - Paris's reactive summit and Riyadh's exclusive talks - highlighted Europe's diminishing role in Ukraine negotiations.
Japan
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
Japan's GDP exceeded 600 trillion yen for the first time, with Q4 2024 showing 2.8% annualized growth. Morning coverage focused on the divergence between corporate investment growth and consumer spending weakness.
The Ishiba administration continued addressing multiple policy fronts: proposing 450,000 yen support for private high school students, moving toward free elementary school lunches, and meeting with Mrs. Akagi in the Diet. UN concerns emerged regarding Japan's permanent residency revocation system.
U.S.-Russia talks scheduled for February 18th generated coverage, with Senator Rubio emphasizing Ukraine and Europe's inclusion in peace negotiations. This followed previous days' tensions over Ukrainian territorial concessions.
Citizen Watch's success with mechanical timepieces targeting youth markets indicated a broader generational shift, parallel to reports of declining Panasonic brand recognition among younger demographics.
The Ishiba administration continued addressing multiple policy fronts: proposing 450,000 yen support for private high school students, moving toward free elementary school lunches, and meeting with Mrs. Akagi in the Diet. UN concerns emerged regarding Japan's permanent residency revocation system.
U.S.-Russia talks scheduled for February 18th generated coverage, with Senator Rubio emphasizing Ukraine and Europe's inclusion in peace negotiations. This followed previous days' tensions over Ukrainian territorial concessions.
Citizen Watch's success with mechanical timepieces targeting youth markets indicated a broader generational shift, parallel to reports of declining Panasonic brand recognition among younger demographics.
Netherlands
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with European leaders' reactions to Trump-Putin communications, leading to an emergency summit in Paris. Housing Minister Keijzer announced the end of priority housing for status holders, generating resistance from municipalities.
By afternoon, Parliament opened the door for military mission participation in Ukraine, revealing coalition divisions as PVV opposed involvement. ABP pension fund's withdrawal from tech giants highlighted growing economic uncertainty. Poland's refusal to send troops to Ukraine complicated European unity efforts.
Evening discussions in Paris revealed substantial limitations in European military capabilities, with security chief Schoof expressing cautious openness to Dutch participation in a potential peacekeeping force. Russian negotiators arrived in Saudi Arabia, explicitly stating they would only engage with Americans, effectively sidelining European diplomatic efforts.
By afternoon, Parliament opened the door for military mission participation in Ukraine, revealing coalition divisions as PVV opposed involvement. ABP pension fund's withdrawal from tech giants highlighted growing economic uncertainty. Poland's refusal to send troops to Ukraine complicated European unity efforts.
Evening discussions in Paris revealed substantial limitations in European military capabilities, with security chief Schoof expressing cautious openness to Dutch participation in a potential peacekeeping force. Russian negotiators arrived in Saudi Arabia, explicitly stating they would only engage with Americans, effectively sidelining European diplomatic efforts.
India
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Delhi-NCR at dawn, with its epicenter near Dhaulakuan lake, causing widespread evacuation. The media's extensive coverage of the tremors temporarily overshadowed the ongoing Delhi station stampede investigation.
By midday, the selection of the new Chief Election Commissioner emerged as the central story, with Congress opposing the selection process timing. The appointment of Gyanesh Kumar was announced by evening, despite Congress's objections.
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived for bilateral talks, with PM Modi breaking protocol to receive him at the airport. The railways announced new crowd management measures at 60 major stations, implementing holding zones and AI-based monitoring in response to the recent stampede. A Nepali student's death at KIIT University evolved into a diplomatic incident with Nepal.
By midday, the selection of the new Chief Election Commissioner emerged as the central story, with Congress opposing the selection process timing. The appointment of Gyanesh Kumar was announced by evening, despite Congress's objections.
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived for bilateral talks, with PM Modi breaking protocol to receive him at the airport. The railways announced new crowd management measures at 60 major stations, implementing holding zones and AI-based monitoring in response to the recent stampede. A Nepali student's death at KIIT University evolved into a diplomatic incident with Nepal.
Poland
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The morning brought British Prime Minister Starmer's proposal to send troops to Ukraine, which Tusk immediately rejected. Microsoft announced a 2.8 billion PLN investment in Polish cloud infrastructure, positioning Warsaw as a regional tech hub.
The Paris summit dominated afternoon coverage. European leaders discussed defense capabilities and fiscal reforms, while Trump's team proposed Chinese and Brazilian peacekeepers for Ukraine. Google corrected Tusk's statement about training programs, revealing tensions in Poland's tech diplomacy.
Evening news focused on the summit's outcomes, with NATO cooperation emphasized over independent European defense. German plans to return migrants to Poland emerged as a parallel narrative, suggesting coordination issues within the EU. Russia's announcement of Mars mission capabilities received skeptical coverage, interpreted as an attempt to project technological power during the Paris talks.
The Paris summit dominated afternoon coverage. European leaders discussed defense capabilities and fiscal reforms, while Trump's team proposed Chinese and Brazilian peacekeepers for Ukraine. Google corrected Tusk's statement about training programs, revealing tensions in Poland's tech diplomacy.
Evening news focused on the summit's outcomes, with NATO cooperation emphasized over independent European defense. German plans to return migrants to Poland emerged as a parallel narrative, suggesting coordination issues within the EU. Russia's announcement of Mars mission capabilities received skeptical coverage, interpreted as an attempt to project technological power during the Paris talks.
Spain
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
European marginalization in Ukraine peace talks materialized as Russia and US announced direct negotiations in Riyadh, explicitly excluding European participation. The morning's Paris summit revealed deep divisions over potential troop deployments to Ukraine, with Sánchez calling such discussions "premature." Zelensky declared he would not recognize any peace agreements made without Ukraine's participation.
Economic headlines highlighted growing wealth concentration, with Amancio Ortega's fortune increasing by €25 billion to €120 billion. Spanish energy companies' €2 billion Russian fuel imports in 2024 drew attention to continuing economic ties with Moscow.
By evening, new documentation in the Koldo corruption case emerged, with Aldama providing photos and notes regarding political meetings. Netanyahu's embrace of Trump's post-Gaza plan, excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, signaled further alignment with US positions over European concerns.
Economic headlines highlighted growing wealth concentration, with Amancio Ortega's fortune increasing by €25 billion to €120 billion. Spanish energy companies' €2 billion Russian fuel imports in 2024 drew attention to continuing economic ties with Moscow.
By evening, new documentation in the Koldo corruption case emerged, with Aldama providing photos and notes regarding political meetings. Netanyahu's embrace of Trump's post-Gaza plan, excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, signaled further alignment with US positions over European concerns.
Turkey
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
New legal proceedings against Istanbul Mayor İmamoğlu dominated morning coverage, with prosecutors seeking 4-year imprisonment over alleged witness interference. İmamoğlu directly accused Erdoğan of attempting to eliminate political opposition.
By midday, attention shifted to Zelenskyy's arrival in Turkey for talks with Erdoğan, while meteorological services warned of incoming Siberian weather front threatening Istanbul and Ankara with severe snowfall. The DEM Party delegation concluded meetings with Barzani in northern Iraq, reportedly discussing Öcalan's messages.
Evening developments centered on raids at Beykoz Municipality, with investigators seizing tender files, while organized crime trials began for 305 defendants. Labor tensions surfaced through union violence in Ankara, where a Metal Workers' Union branch president killed the secretary before taking his own life.
By midday, attention shifted to Zelenskyy's arrival in Turkey for talks with Erdoğan, while meteorological services warned of incoming Siberian weather front threatening Istanbul and Ankara with severe snowfall. The DEM Party delegation concluded meetings with Barzani in northern Iraq, reportedly discussing Öcalan's messages.
Evening developments centered on raids at Beykoz Municipality, with investigators seizing tender files, while organized crime trials began for 305 defendants. Labor tensions surfaced through union violence in Ankara, where a Metal Workers' Union branch president killed the secretary before taking his own life.
China
•17.02.2025
•Monday
•188 days ago
•⌨
Early morning coverage focused on China's mounting personal debt crisis, while state media amplified Xi's African Union message. By dawn, attention shifted dramatically to Xi's first private enterprise symposium in six years, featuring the return of previously sidelined tech leaders including Jack Ma, Ren Zhengfei, and Pony Ma. This marked a shift from previous days' DeepSeek-centered technological narratives.
The symposium's messaging emphasized "broad prospects" for private sector development, connecting to previous days' economic data and AI governance themes. Goldman Sachs released analysis linking DeepSeek to economic growth predictions, while financial media began reassessing Chinese tech stock valuations.
Evening coverage revealed increased US-China resource competition, particularly in minerals, while diplomatic tensions surfaced through US State Department's removal of "not supporting Taiwan independence" language from official documents.
The symposium's messaging emphasized "broad prospects" for private sector development, connecting to previous days' economic data and AI governance themes. Goldman Sachs released analysis linking DeepSeek to economic growth predictions, while financial media began reassessing Chinese tech stock valuations.
Evening coverage revealed increased US-China resource competition, particularly in minerals, while diplomatic tensions surfaced through US State Department's removal of "not supporting Taiwan independence" language from official documents.
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