February 18, 2025
US
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
A Delta Airlines crash in Toronto dominated morning coverage, with footage showing the aircraft bursting into flames before flipping, injuring 18 passengers. The incident amplified scrutiny of DOGE's FAA personnel cuts from previous days.
US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia proceeded without Ukrainian representation, marking a shift in Trump's diplomatic approach. Secretary Rubio and Lavrov agreed to appoint negotiating teams and work toward a Trump-Putin meeting, while Zelensky warned against decisions made "behind Ukraine's backs."
The evening brought institutional tensions as a judge rejected attempts to block DOGE's access to federal data, while the White House claimed Musk does not legally head the organization. A court permanently blocked Biden-era student loan forgiveness, while four NYC deputy mayors resigned after corruption charges against Adams were dropped, extending the pattern of administrative upheaval.
US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia proceeded without Ukrainian representation, marking a shift in Trump's diplomatic approach. Secretary Rubio and Lavrov agreed to appoint negotiating teams and work toward a Trump-Putin meeting, while Zelensky warned against decisions made "behind Ukraine's backs."
The evening brought institutional tensions as a judge rejected attempts to block DOGE's access to federal data, while the White House claimed Musk does not legally head the organization. A court permanently blocked Biden-era student loan forgiveness, while four NYC deputy mayors resigned after corruption charges against Adams were dropped, extending the pattern of administrative upheaval.
Israel
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The IDF's withdrawal from Lebanon, maintaining only five strategic positions, marked the morning's developments. Northern residents expressed concerns about Hezbollah's eventual return. By early afternoon, negotiations crystallized around six living hostages scheduled for Saturday release, in exchange for allowing caravans into Gaza. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the deal, revealing the identities of those to be freed: Omer Wenkert, Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, Tal Shoham, and long-held captives Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed.
Evening brought reports of Netanyahu removing Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs from the negotiation team, while setting demilitarization and Hamas removal as conditions for Phase B talks. The media coverage shifted between optimism about the upcoming releases and concern about the strategic implications of the Lebanon withdrawal.
Evening brought reports of Netanyahu removing Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs from the negotiation team, while setting demilitarization and Hamas removal as conditions for Phase B talks. The media coverage shifted between optimism about the upcoming releases and concern about the strategic implications of the Lebanon withdrawal.
Germany
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The first direct US-Russia talks in Riyadh dominated coverage, with Moscow signaling openness to Ukraine's EU membership while maintaining NATO opposition. By noon, reports emerged of a potential Putin-Trump summit, while European leaders found themselves increasingly sidelined.
The ARD election arena's aftermath revealed unexpected cordial treatment of Weidel, while Merz and Scholz explicitly rejected future cooperation. A US documentary criticizing German speech restrictions gained traction, with Vice President Vance's criticism resonating. New polls showed CDU/CSU losing ground.
Evening coverage focused on Ukraine's strategic pipeline attack preceding the Riyadh talks, while Continental announced 3,000 job cuts. The AFD faced a new donation scandal, as public sector unions announced nationwide strikes. Rheinmetall expected increased orders amid shifting geopolitical alignments.
The ARD election arena's aftermath revealed unexpected cordial treatment of Weidel, while Merz and Scholz explicitly rejected future cooperation. A US documentary criticizing German speech restrictions gained traction, with Vice President Vance's criticism resonating. New polls showed CDU/CSU losing ground.
Evening coverage focused on Ukraine's strategic pipeline attack preceding the Riyadh talks, while Continental announced 3,000 job cuts. The AFD faced a new donation scandal, as public sector unions announced nationwide strikes. Rheinmetall expected increased orders amid shifting geopolitical alignments.
France
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
US-Russia talks in Riyadh dominated morning coverage, with Putin signaling readiness to meet Zelensky "if necessary." The Kremlin acknowledged Ukraine's right to join the EU but rejected NATO membership. By early afternoon, Washington declared "important progress" while Zelensky denounced "talks about Ukraine without Ukraine."
Macron's attempts to maintain European relevance met resistance as most EU states declined to support potential troop deployments. His evening declaration of Russia as an "existential threat" and announcement of new multilateral talks highlighted Europe's diminishing influence in negotiations.
The Bétharram affair intensified as documents revealed Elisabeth Guigou knew of abuse allegations in 1998, while Bayrou denied intervention and blamed the Jospin government. Trump's late evening statement supporting European peacekeepers in Ukraine further emphasized Washington's control over the continent's security agenda.
Macron's attempts to maintain European relevance met resistance as most EU states declined to support potential troop deployments. His evening declaration of Russia as an "existential threat" and announcement of new multilateral talks highlighted Europe's diminishing influence in negotiations.
The Bétharram affair intensified as documents revealed Elisabeth Guigou knew of abuse allegations in 1998, while Bayrou denied intervention and blamed the Jospin government. Trump's late evening statement supporting European peacekeepers in Ukraine further emphasized Washington's control over the continent's security agenda.
Lebanon
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
Israel's partial withdrawal from South Lebanon materialized while maintaining control of five strategic points, prompting Lebanon to announce plans to petition the Security Council. Residents began returning to border villages on foot as the Lebanese Army deployed south of the Litani.
UN officials Blaskhart and Lazzaro warned that any delay in full Israeli withdrawal constitutes a violation of Resolution 1701. The US Ambassador confirmed increased military aid to the Lebanese Army, while the government extended the suspension of Iranian flights.
A tripartite meeting at Baabda Palace resulted in demands for immediate Israeli withdrawal, while Israeli minister Saar suggested the five points could be vacated if Lebanon "abides" by agreements. Evening reports indicated IMF openness to new aid negotiations, while Beirut Airport announced flight suspensions for Sunday's planned Nasrallah funeral.
UN officials Blaskhart and Lazzaro warned that any delay in full Israeli withdrawal constitutes a violation of Resolution 1701. The US Ambassador confirmed increased military aid to the Lebanese Army, while the government extended the suspension of Iranian flights.
A tripartite meeting at Baabda Palace resulted in demands for immediate Israeli withdrawal, while Israeli minister Saar suggested the five points could be vacated if Lebanon "abides" by agreements. Evening reports indicated IMF openness to new aid negotiations, while Beirut Airport announced flight suspensions for Sunday's planned Nasrallah funeral.
Ukraine
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia dominated media coverage, with both sides deliberately excluding Ukraine despite Saudi objections. The 4.5-hour meeting yielded minimal concrete outcomes beyond agreement to restore embassy staffing and establish working groups. Zelenskyy postponed his Saudi visit in response.
European leaders struggled to maintain relevance, with Rheinmetall's chief noting Europe's relegation to the "children's table." Reports emerged of a new €6 billion EU military aid package, while France announced a second emergency meeting on Ukraine's security.
Combat intensity increased, with Russia deploying larger assault groups and more armored vehicles. The General Staff confirmed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, including the Ilsky refinery. Trump expressed "disappointment" with Ukraine's refusal to negotiate, while US intelligence assessed Putin remains uninterested in genuine peace talks.
European leaders struggled to maintain relevance, with Rheinmetall's chief noting Europe's relegation to the "children's table." Reports emerged of a new €6 billion EU military aid package, while France announced a second emergency meeting on Ukraine's security.
Combat intensity increased, with Russia deploying larger assault groups and more armored vehicles. The General Staff confirmed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, including the Ilsky refinery. Trump expressed "disappointment" with Ukraine's refusal to negotiate, while US intelligence assessed Putin remains uninterested in genuine peace talks.
Palestine
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with Israel establishing a special administration for Gaza population transfer, while former IDF officers opposed resumed operations. By midday, Abbas dismissed Qadura Fares from the Prisoners Affairs Commission for refusing to cancel prisoner payments, marking a significant shift in PA policy. The afternoon brought clarity to the prisoner exchange schedule, with Hamas announcing plans to release four bodies on Thursday and six living prisoners on Saturday.
Heavy equipment began entering Gaza through Rafah, though conflicting reports emerged about quantities and timing. The Palestinian government estimated Gaza reconstruction costs at $53 billion, while Arab states proposed an alternative to Trump's displacement plan. Evening reports indicated decisions about resuming combat operations would be made within 48 hours, as Netanyahu's political twin Ron Dermer prepared to lead Phase Two negotiations.
Heavy equipment began entering Gaza through Rafah, though conflicting reports emerged about quantities and timing. The Palestinian government estimated Gaza reconstruction costs at $53 billion, while Arab states proposed an alternative to Trump's displacement plan. Evening reports indicated decisions about resuming combat operations would be made within 48 hours, as Netanyahu's political twin Ron Dermer prepared to lead Phase Two negotiations.
UK
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The morning opened with US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, marking their first face-to-face meeting since Russia's invasion. Putin signaled readiness to speak with Zelensky "if necessary," while Lavrov met with Rubio.
By midday, both sides reported "positive" discussions, agreeing to appoint negotiating teams. Russia made clear its rejection of NATO troops in Ukraine "even under other flags" - a direct response to Starmer's peacekeeping proposal from yesterday. Zelensky canceled his Saudi trip in protest of being excluded from talks.
Evening brought news of Trump expressing confidence in a peace deal, while Zelensky demanded Kyiv's involvement in negotiations. The progression showed Russia leveraging European divisions exposed at yesterday's Paris summit, while the US maintained its position as primary negotiator despite European attempts to assert relevance through military commitments.
By midday, both sides reported "positive" discussions, agreeing to appoint negotiating teams. Russia made clear its rejection of NATO troops in Ukraine "even under other flags" - a direct response to Starmer's peacekeeping proposal from yesterday. Zelensky canceled his Saudi trip in protest of being excluded from talks.
Evening brought news of Trump expressing confidence in a peace deal, while Zelensky demanded Kyiv's involvement in negotiations. The progression showed Russia leveraging European divisions exposed at yesterday's Paris summit, while the US maintained its position as primary negotiator despite European attempts to assert relevance through military commitments.
Iran
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
Morning headlines centered on a closed-door parliamentary session addressing currency market turbulence, with Qalibaf announcing "good decisions" while avoiding specifics. The government's plan to distribute electronic food stamps to seven income deciles emerged as a response to economic pressures.
US-Russia talks in Riyadh dominated international coverage, with state media emphasizing Iran's regional importance through Araghchi's statements about failed isolation attempts. IRGC unveiled new drone capabilities, continuing the military technology narrative from previous days.
The afternoon saw Khamenei meeting Islamic Jihad's secretary-general, using the platform to dismiss US plans for Gaza. Evening coverage revealed a threefold increase in military budget allocations, while private Chinese ports' role in circumventing sanctions emerged as a significant development in economic reporting.
US-Russia talks in Riyadh dominated international coverage, with state media emphasizing Iran's regional importance through Araghchi's statements about failed isolation attempts. IRGC unveiled new drone capabilities, continuing the military technology narrative from previous days.
The afternoon saw Khamenei meeting Islamic Jihad's secretary-general, using the platform to dismiss US plans for Gaza. Evening coverage revealed a threefold increase in military budget allocations, while private Chinese ports' role in circumventing sanctions emerged as a significant development in economic reporting.
Russia
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The first high-level US-Russia talks since 2022 commenced in Riyadh amid intense Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory. Early morning strikes damaged infrastructure in Krasnodar and targeted a Russian base in Syria.
The talks stretched over three hours, with Russian media emphasizing their bilateral nature while reporting EU discussions about deploying 30,000 troops to Ukraine. By afternoon, Lavrov and Rubio announced agreement on working groups for Ukraine settlement and restoration of embassy staffing levels. A proposed moratorium on energy infrastructure attacks emerged.
Evening brought White House characterization of talks as "monumental," while Moscow maintained its position against EU participation in peace negotiations. Putin instructed his delegation to show "maximum friendliness" toward the US team, while approving support measures for Kursk residents who lost homes to drone attacks.
The talks stretched over three hours, with Russian media emphasizing their bilateral nature while reporting EU discussions about deploying 30,000 troops to Ukraine. By afternoon, Lavrov and Rubio announced agreement on working groups for Ukraine settlement and restoration of embassy staffing levels. A proposed moratorium on energy infrastructure attacks emerged.
Evening brought White House characterization of talks as "monumental," while Moscow maintained its position against EU participation in peace negotiations. Putin instructed his delegation to show "maximum friendliness" toward the US team, while approving support measures for Kursk residents who lost homes to drone attacks.
Italy
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The US-Russia talks in Riyadh dominated Italian media coverage, with Moscow showing unprecedented flexibility by accepting potential EU membership for Ukraine. By midday, Senator Rubio called for EU inclusion in negotiations, while Putin expressed willingness to meet Zelensky. Draghi's address to the European Parliament demanded unified action and 800 billion euros in common debt investment.
Pro-Russian hackers continued attacks on Italian infrastructure, targeting the Made in Italy Ministry and Financial Police in apparent retaliation against Mattarella. Zelensky's cancellation of his Riyadh visit prompted Lavrov's dismissive response, while Il Fatto revealed Trump's proposed peace terms involving Ukrainian resource concessions.
The Vatican's announcement of Pope Francis's bilateral pneumonia requiring complex treatment shifted evening coverage, as European leaders prepared for Macron's new summit attempting to maintain EU relevance in peace negotiations.
Pro-Russian hackers continued attacks on Italian infrastructure, targeting the Made in Italy Ministry and Financial Police in apparent retaliation against Mattarella. Zelensky's cancellation of his Riyadh visit prompted Lavrov's dismissive response, while Il Fatto revealed Trump's proposed peace terms involving Ukrainian resource concessions.
The Vatican's announcement of Pope Francis's bilateral pneumonia requiring complex treatment shifted evening coverage, as European leaders prepared for Macron's new summit attempting to maintain EU relevance in peace negotiations.
Japan
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
Global trade tensions intensified as Japan maintained cautious stance amid worldwide retaliatory tariffs against Trump's policies. Japanese automakers Honda, Nissan, and Mazda unveiled flexible production plans in response to impending U.S. tariffs.
Infrastructure concerns emerged on multiple fronts: 380km of major sewage systems exceeded service life, while new Nankai Trough earthquake risk assessments were scheduled for month-end release. The climate plan's nuclear emphasis drew criticism for insufficient measures.
South Korea blocked Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's app downloads, while Huawei launched its tri-fold phone in Malaysia, signaling continued tech sector realignment. The LDP proposed raising income caps by 1.6 million yen as severe cold wave warnings expanded from Japan Sea regions to Pacific coastal areas.
U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia dominated international coverage, with Macron's engagement with Trump and Zelenskyy adding new diplomatic dimension.
Infrastructure concerns emerged on multiple fronts: 380km of major sewage systems exceeded service life, while new Nankai Trough earthquake risk assessments were scheduled for month-end release. The climate plan's nuclear emphasis drew criticism for insufficient measures.
South Korea blocked Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's app downloads, while Huawei launched its tri-fold phone in Malaysia, signaling continued tech sector realignment. The LDP proposed raising income caps by 1.6 million yen as severe cold wave warnings expanded from Japan Sea regions to Pacific coastal areas.
U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia dominated international coverage, with Macron's engagement with Trump and Zelenskyy adding new diplomatic dimension.
Netherlands
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
US-Russia talks in Riyadh commenced after a Delta Airlines accident in Toronto captured early morning attention. The Russian delegation indicated openness to Ukraine's EU membership while maintaining opposition to NATO accession. Former VVD leader Frits Bolkestein's death at 91 dominated mid-morning coverage, with media examining his legacy in reshaping Dutch politics.
The first round of US-Russia talks concluded by afternoon with both sides describing them as "positive," though Zelensky's absence was notable. The Dutch parliament shifted towards supporting potential peacekeeping mission participation, with PVV showing unexpected flexibility. Meanwhile, major cities warned about housing development challenges due to public transport budget cuts.
Evening parliamentary debates revealed a broad majority supporting the cabinet's Ukraine negotiations, though coalition support remained fragile. Saudi Arabia's role as peace broker marked its definitive return from diplomatic isolation.
The first round of US-Russia talks concluded by afternoon with both sides describing them as "positive," though Zelensky's absence was notable. The Dutch parliament shifted towards supporting potential peacekeeping mission participation, with PVV showing unexpected flexibility. Meanwhile, major cities warned about housing development challenges due to public transport budget cuts.
Evening parliamentary debates revealed a broad majority supporting the cabinet's Ukraine negotiations, though coalition support remained fragile. Saudi Arabia's role as peace broker marked its definitive return from diplomatic isolation.
India
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
A Delta Airlines plane with 80 passengers overturned during landing in Toronto, dominating early morning coverage with 18 injuries reported. The incident temporarily overshadowed ongoing domestic stories.
By mid-morning, attention returned to the Delhi stampede investigation, with RPF report confirming platform changes for Kumbh trains as the trigger. The Supreme Court's hearing of YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia's case generated extensive coverage, with the court granting protection while criticizing his content.
US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia about Ukraine peace emerged as a significant international story, with Zelenskyy's criticism of the format and postponed visit generating debate. Tesla's announcement of India hiring following Modi-Musk meeting sparked business coverage, while Mamata Banerjee's characterization of Mahakumbh as "Mrityu Kumbh" (death festival) intensified political tensions around the ongoing religious gathering.
By mid-morning, attention returned to the Delhi stampede investigation, with RPF report confirming platform changes for Kumbh trains as the trigger. The Supreme Court's hearing of YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia's case generated extensive coverage, with the court granting protection while criticizing his content.
US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia about Ukraine peace emerged as a significant international story, with Zelenskyy's criticism of the format and postponed visit generating debate. Tesla's announcement of India hiring following Modi-Musk meeting sparked business coverage, while Mamata Banerjee's characterization of Mahakumbh as "Mrityu Kumbh" (death festival) intensified political tensions around the ongoing religious gathering.
Poland
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
US-Russia talks in Riyadh dominated coverage, marking first direct high-level contact in three years. Lavrov and Rubio met for four hours, with reports of progress toward potential Trump-Putin meeting. European absence from negotiations generated media discourse about continental marginalization.
President Duda's meeting with Trump's envoy Kellogg produced reassurances about continued US presence in Europe, while National Security Council meeting was announced. Prime Minister Tusk maintained distance from speculation about Polish troop deployment to Ukraine, as Kaczyński explicitly opposed such moves.
Evening brought news of Marian Turski's death at 98, shifting attention to Holocaust memory. The Vatican released statement about Pope's health condition, while France announced another summit - this time explicitly without Polish participation. Reports emerged of German plans to return migrants to Poland, suggesting coordination issues within EU continue.
President Duda's meeting with Trump's envoy Kellogg produced reassurances about continued US presence in Europe, while National Security Council meeting was announced. Prime Minister Tusk maintained distance from speculation about Polish troop deployment to Ukraine, as Kaczyński explicitly opposed such moves.
Evening brought news of Marian Turski's death at 98, shifting attention to Holocaust memory. The Vatican released statement about Pope's health condition, while France announced another summit - this time explicitly without Polish participation. Reports emerged of German plans to return migrants to Poland, suggesting coordination issues within EU continue.
Spain
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
The US-Russia negotiations in Riyadh dominated Spanish coverage, marking Europe's complete exclusion from Ukraine peace talks. Morning reports highlighted Paris-London military leadership emerging as Spain and Germany resisted troop deployments. By midday, Putin's openness to negotiations with Zelensky emerged alongside his acceptance of Ukraine's EU membership but rejection of NATO entry.
The five-hour Lavrov-Rubio meeting concluded with agreement to "respect mutual interests" and establish a high-level team for Ukraine negotiations, while European arms manufacturer Rheinmetall described Europe as relegated to "the children's table." Evening coverage revealed US considerations of allowing Russia to retain occupied territories, prompting Zelensky's firm rejection. Trump's pressure on Romania regarding Andrew Tate and potential olive oil tariffs highlighted growing US influence over European affairs.
The five-hour Lavrov-Rubio meeting concluded with agreement to "respect mutual interests" and establish a high-level team for Ukraine negotiations, while European arms manufacturer Rheinmetall described Europe as relegated to "the children's table." Evening coverage revealed US considerations of allowing Russia to retain occupied territories, prompting Zelensky's firm rejection. Trump's pressure on Romania regarding Andrew Tate and potential olive oil tariffs highlighted growing US influence over European affairs.
Turkey
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
Pre-dawn raids across 10 provinces targeted HDK members, with 60 detention warrants resulting in 52 arrests including journalists, artists, and politicians. This operation follows the pattern of increased pressure on opposition figures seen in recent days, particularly after Van mayor's removal.
By midday, diplomatic activity intensified as Zelenskyy visited Ankara, while reports emerged of US-Russia talks on Ukraine proceeding without Kyiv's presence. Turkey positioned itself as a potential mediator, with Erdoğan meeting both Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Rutte.
Evening coverage shifted to domestic matters as news broke of anticipated severe weather, with Istanbul authorities issuing warnings about incoming snowfall. TÜSİAD maintained its position despite government pressure, while reports surfaced of negotiations between SDG and Syrian military forces for potential integration.
By midday, diplomatic activity intensified as Zelenskyy visited Ankara, while reports emerged of US-Russia talks on Ukraine proceeding without Kyiv's presence. Turkey positioned itself as a potential mediator, with Erdoğan meeting both Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Rutte.
Evening coverage shifted to domestic matters as news broke of anticipated severe weather, with Istanbul authorities issuing warnings about incoming snowfall. TÜSİAD maintained its position despite government pressure, while reports surfaced of negotiations between SDG and Syrian military forces for potential integration.
China
•18.02.2025
•Tuesday
•188 days ago
•⌨
State media orchestrated extensive coverage of Xi's private enterprise symposium, marking a shift from previous days' DeepSeek narratives. The messaging emphasized protection mechanisms for private businesses, including crackdowns on illegal investigations.
By mid-morning, WeChat's AI search system crashed from overload, highlighting infrastructure challenges in China's AI race. This technical limitation emerged as ByteDance recruited a veteran Google AI researcher, connecting to previous days' technological sovereignty themes.
Afternoon coverage revealed new dynamics in US-China tensions through the US State Department's removal of "opposition to Taiwan independence" language, while military media reported on US naval "slow-sailing" through the Taiwan Strait. Local government fiscal challenges and energy storage demands from AI implementation remained persistent undercurrents throughout the day's reporting.
By mid-morning, WeChat's AI search system crashed from overload, highlighting infrastructure challenges in China's AI race. This technical limitation emerged as ByteDance recruited a veteran Google AI researcher, connecting to previous days' technological sovereignty themes.
Afternoon coverage revealed new dynamics in US-China tensions through the US State Department's removal of "opposition to Taiwan independence" language, while military media reported on US naval "slow-sailing" through the Taiwan Strait. Local government fiscal challenges and energy storage demands from AI implementation remained persistent undercurrents throughout the day's reporting.
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