February 19, 2025
US
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
Morning headlines revealed Trump's reversal of US-Ukraine policy, with US-Russia talks proceeding without Ukrainian representation. Trump demanded new Ukrainian elections as a precondition for peace, while echoing Kremlin narratives about war origins.
By early afternoon, Zelenskyy responded forcefully, accusing Trump of operating in Russian "disinformation space." The diplomatic clash escalated when Trump labeled Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections," marking a dramatic shift in US-Ukraine relations.
Evening coverage tracked institutional restructuring as DOGE gained unprecedented access to federal databases despite legal challenges. The administration terminated NYC's congestion pricing plan and labeled Latin American cartels as terrorist organizations. Federal workforce reductions continued affecting multiple agencies, with the JFK Library temporarily closing due to staff cuts. The DOJ provided new rationales for dropping charges against NYC Mayor Adams, while state protests against DOGE's authority faced judicial defeats.
By early afternoon, Zelenskyy responded forcefully, accusing Trump of operating in Russian "disinformation space." The diplomatic clash escalated when Trump labeled Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections," marking a dramatic shift in US-Ukraine relations.
Evening coverage tracked institutional restructuring as DOGE gained unprecedented access to federal databases despite legal challenges. The administration terminated NYC's congestion pricing plan and labeled Latin American cartels as terrorist organizations. Federal workforce reductions continued affecting multiple agencies, with the JFK Library temporarily closing due to staff cuts. The DOJ provided new rationales for dropping charges against NYC Mayor Adams, while state protests against DOGE's authority faced judicial defeats.
Israel
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
Morning brought internal conflicts within Netanyahu's government as a "senior source" criticized former Mossad and Shin Bet negotiation teams, prompting immediate backlash from hostage families demanding focus on rescue efforts. Five IDF reservists were indicted for severely abusing a Hamas prisoner at Sdeh Teiman detention facility.
By afternoon, preparations intensified for receiving the first bodies from Hamas captivity. The IDF planned a ceremony in Gaza territory, including Kaddish prayers and flag-draped coffins. The forensics institute estimated identification could take up to 48 hours.
Evening brought confirmation of the deceased hostages' identities: Shiri Bibas and her children Ariel and Kfir, along with Oded Lifshitz. The Bibas family expressed outrage at the announcement's handling, leading to finger-pointing between the Prime Minister's Office and IDF. Hamas indicated readiness to release all remaining hostages in a single batch during phase two.
By afternoon, preparations intensified for receiving the first bodies from Hamas captivity. The IDF planned a ceremony in Gaza territory, including Kaddish prayers and flag-draped coffins. The forensics institute estimated identification could take up to 48 hours.
Evening brought confirmation of the deceased hostages' identities: Shiri Bibas and her children Ariel and Kfir, along with Oded Lifshitz. The Bibas family expressed outrage at the announcement's handling, leading to finger-pointing between the Prime Minister's Office and IDF. Hamas indicated readiness to release all remaining hostages in a single batch during phase two.
Germany
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
Trump's accusations against Zelenskyy as a "dictator without elections" dominated morning coverage, while Putin signaled openness to negotiations through Riyadh channels. By noon, European leaders processed implications of potential US-Russia direct talks, with Macron explicitly rejecting combat troop deployment.
The afternoon brought multiple scandals: AfD faced questions over a 2.35 million euro campaign contribution, while Scholz confronted renewed scrutiny over Warburg Bank's Cum-Ex affair. Ver.di announced a nationwide transport strike for Friday, affecting six federal states.
The evening culminated in the final Scholz-Merz debate on WELT/BILD. The encounter revealed unexpected personal moments between rivals, with migration and coalition possibilities dominating discussion. Both candidates showed awareness of likely post-election cooperation needs, despite Merz's declaration that "Scholz's chancellorship ends Sunday."
The afternoon brought multiple scandals: AfD faced questions over a 2.35 million euro campaign contribution, while Scholz confronted renewed scrutiny over Warburg Bank's Cum-Ex affair. Ver.di announced a nationwide transport strike for Friday, affecting six federal states.
The evening culminated in the final Scholz-Merz debate on WELT/BILD. The encounter revealed unexpected personal moments between rivals, with migration and coalition possibilities dominating discussion. Both candidates showed awareness of likely post-election cooperation needs, despite Merz's declaration that "Scholz's chancellorship ends Sunday."
France
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
Richard Ferrand's nomination to head the Constitutional Council passed by a single vote, with the National Rally's strategic abstention drawing criticism from the left. The morning's headlines focused on Trump's new demands from Ukraine, including $500 billion in mineral rights compensation.
By afternoon, Trump escalated rhetoric against Zelensky, labeling him a "dictator without elections" and blaming him for starting the war, while Berlin denounced these statements as "absurd." The revelation that Western companies continue funding Putin's war effort through Russian taxes added context to the shifting diplomatic landscape.
Evening brought news of Macron's scheduled Washington visit next week, as European leaders attempt to maintain relevance in US-Russia negotiations. Meanwhile, three arrests in the Bétharram case, involving allegations from 1957-2004, confirmed early warnings from 1993 and 1996 were ignored.
By afternoon, Trump escalated rhetoric against Zelensky, labeling him a "dictator without elections" and blaming him for starting the war, while Berlin denounced these statements as "absurd." The revelation that Western companies continue funding Putin's war effort through Russian taxes added context to the shifting diplomatic landscape.
Evening brought news of Macron's scheduled Washington visit next week, as European leaders attempt to maintain relevance in US-Russia negotiations. Meanwhile, three arrests in the Bétharram case, involving allegations from 1957-2004, confirmed early warnings from 1993 and 1996 were ignored.
Lebanon
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with France's call for complete Israeli withdrawal, as residents started returning south after 499 days. An Israeli drone strike in Aita al-Shaab killed the son of a local mayor, marking the first casualty since Israel's partial withdrawal while maintaining control of five strategic points.
By afternoon, US National Security advisor Mike Waltz assured President Aoun of Washington's commitment to maintaining ceasefire through diplomatic channels. The Central Bank announced increases in circulars 166 and 158, while the Lebanese Army completed deployment in southern border towns.
Evening coverage focused on security preparations for Nasrallah's funeral scheduled for Sunday, while reports emerged questioning Israel's motives for maintaining the five points. Storm "Adam" approached Lebanon, with forecasts predicting snow at unusually low altitudes of 300 meters.
By afternoon, US National Security advisor Mike Waltz assured President Aoun of Washington's commitment to maintaining ceasefire through diplomatic channels. The Central Bank announced increases in circulars 166 and 158, while the Lebanese Army completed deployment in southern border towns.
Evening coverage focused on security preparations for Nasrallah's funeral scheduled for Sunday, while reports emerged questioning Israel's motives for maintaining the five points. Storm "Adam" approached Lebanon, with forecasts predicting snow at unusually low altitudes of 300 meters.
Ukraine
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
Russian drone strikes on Odesa's infrastructure left 250,000 residents without heat and power during morning hours, damaging children's clinics and kindergartens. While the city struggled with outages, Trump's special envoy Kellogg arrived in Kyiv with a stated mission "to listen."
By midday, Zelenskyy held a press conference responding to Trump's claim of his 4% approval rating, attributing it to Russian disinformation. The Ukrainian stock market dropped following Trump's criticism. Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer publicly supported Zelenskyy's position.
Evening developments centered on Macron's announcement of EU security commitments following a second emergency summit, while Ukrainian forces reportedly struck Russian oil infrastructure in Kuban. Trump escalated rhetoric by calling Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections," prompting his vice president to warn against "attacking Trump."
By midday, Zelenskyy held a press conference responding to Trump's claim of his 4% approval rating, attributing it to Russian disinformation. The Ukrainian stock market dropped following Trump's criticism. Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer publicly supported Zelenskyy's position.
Evening developments centered on Macron's announcement of EU security commitments following a second emergency summit, while Ukrainian forces reportedly struck Russian oil infrastructure in Kuban. Trump escalated rhetoric by calling Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections," prompting his vice president to warn against "attacking Trump."
Palestine
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
The morning brought reports of extensive destruction in Tulkarem and Jenin camps, with infrastructure demolitions entering their 24th day. Microsoft and OpenAI's involvement in Gaza operations gained attention, coinciding with reports that only six pieces of heavy equipment had entered Gaza, some requiring repairs.
By afternoon, Hamas and Islamic Jihad announced plans to return remains of Israeli prisoners on Thursday, including the Bibas family, while Trump administration froze security aid to the Palestinian Authority. The news cycle shifted between prisoner exchange logistics and reconstruction planning, with Egypt promoting a non-displacement rebuilding initiative that gained EU support.
Evening operations in Al-Faraa camp resulted in three Palestinian deaths, with forces retaining the bodies, while weather reports warned of approaching snowfall that could further impact humanitarian conditions in Gaza's temporary shelters.
By afternoon, Hamas and Islamic Jihad announced plans to return remains of Israeli prisoners on Thursday, including the Bibas family, while Trump administration froze security aid to the Palestinian Authority. The news cycle shifted between prisoner exchange logistics and reconstruction planning, with Egypt promoting a non-displacement rebuilding initiative that gained EU support.
Evening operations in Al-Faraa camp resulted in three Palestinian deaths, with forces retaining the bodies, while weather reports warned of approaching snowfall that could further impact humanitarian conditions in Gaza's temporary shelters.
UK
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
The morning's US-Russia talks in Riyadh prompted Trump to suggest Ukraine "could have made a deal," sparking a direct confrontation with Zelensky. The Ukrainian president responded by characterizing Trump as living in a "Russian disinformation bubble" and rejected a reported $500bn minerals deal.
By afternoon, Putin expressed readiness to negotiate while praising Trump, leading to Trump's escalation - branding Zelensky a "dictator" who "played USA like a fiddle" and demanding he "move fast" or risk losing his country.
Evening brought European response to the crisis, with Starmer comparing Zelensky to Churchill and defending Ukraine's wartime suspension of elections. The progression showed increasing polarization between Trump's peace initiative and European support for Ukraine's current leadership, with both sides using historical parallels to legitimize their positions.
By afternoon, Putin expressed readiness to negotiate while praising Trump, leading to Trump's escalation - branding Zelensky a "dictator" who "played USA like a fiddle" and demanding he "move fast" or risk losing his country.
Evening brought European response to the crisis, with Starmer comparing Zelensky to Churchill and defending Ukraine's wartime suspension of elections. The progression showed increasing polarization between Trump's peace initiative and European support for Ukraine's current leadership, with both sides using historical parallels to legitimize their positions.
Iran
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with Trump's criticism of Ukraine's absence from Riyadh peace talks, while Iranian state media highlighted a new portable air defense system. The Emir of Qatar's arrival in Tehran dominated midday coverage, meeting both President Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Khamenei. State media emphasized Qatar's mediating role in regional issues, while Khamenei demanded action on frozen Iranian assets.
The Ukraine situation intensified as Zelenskyy accused Trump of falling into Russian disinformation, while Putin expressed willingness to meet Trump directly. Economy Minister Hemmati faced impeachment proceedings, with Pezeshkian defending him against criticism.
By evening, military leadership issued warnings about potential attacks on Iran, while infrastructure officials raised concerns about internet filtering's impact on digital ecosystems.
The Ukraine situation intensified as Zelenskyy accused Trump of falling into Russian disinformation, while Putin expressed willingness to meet Trump directly. Economy Minister Hemmati faced impeachment proceedings, with Pezeshkian defending him against criticism.
By evening, military leadership issued warnings about potential attacks on Iran, while infrastructure officials raised concerns about internet filtering's impact on digital ecosystems.
Russia
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
Russian state media simultaneously reported on military advances and diplomatic breakthroughs. Morning coverage centered on Trump's criticism of Zelensky and FSB's case against former deputy Ponomarev. By early afternoon, Putin announced Russian forces had crossed into Ukraine's Sumy region from Kursk, while expressing satisfaction with the Riyadh talks.
The EU approved its 16th sanctions package targeting Russia's aluminum sector and "shadow fleet." Russian officials emphasized potential US-Russia rapprochement, with discussions of unfreezing assets and embassy restoration. Throughout the day, state media amplified Trump's characterization of Zelensky as a "dictator."
Evening brought reports of drone attacks on a fourth major Russian refinery, while coverage continued of Washington's apparent distancing from Kyiv's position on negotiations.
The EU approved its 16th sanctions package targeting Russia's aluminum sector and "shadow fleet." Russian officials emphasized potential US-Russia rapprochement, with discussions of unfreezing assets and embassy restoration. Throughout the day, state media amplified Trump's characterization of Zelensky as a "dictator."
Evening brought reports of drone attacks on a fourth major Russian refinery, while coverage continued of Washington's apparent distancing from Kyiv's position on negotiations.
Italy
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
Pope Francis's bilateral pneumonia dominated morning coverage, with reports of stable condition evolving into news of him sitting in an armchair, culminating in Meloni's 20-minute visit reporting him alert and joking. Vatican bulletins indicated slight improvement in inflammatory markers.
The diplomatic sphere witnessed escalating rhetoric between Trump and Zelensky, with Trump labeling the Ukrainian leader "an unelected dictator and mediocre comedian" after Zelensky accused him of living in "Russian disinformation." Putin joined the discourse from Riyadh, dismissing Kiev's concerns as "hysteria" while expressing openness to negotiations. By evening, Musk entered the fray, demanding Ukrainian elections.
The morning's US-Russia dialogue in Riyadh, following yesterday's breakthrough, shifted to public antagonism by nightfall, with Moscow and Washington appearing to coordinate pressure on Kiev.
The diplomatic sphere witnessed escalating rhetoric between Trump and Zelensky, with Trump labeling the Ukrainian leader "an unelected dictator and mediocre comedian" after Zelensky accused him of living in "Russian disinformation." Putin joined the discourse from Riyadh, dismissing Kiev's concerns as "hysteria" while expressing openness to negotiations. By evening, Musk entered the fray, demanding Ukrainian elections.
The morning's US-Russia dialogue in Riyadh, following yesterday's breakthrough, shifted to public antagonism by nightfall, with Moscow and Washington appearing to coordinate pressure on Kiev.
Japan
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
The 2.8 trillion yen January trade deficit announcement set the morning tone, while the Tohoku Shinkansen temporarily suspended operations. The parliamentary budget committee failed to convene, creating an unusual legislative deadlock amid ongoing investigations into the Abe faction's accounting.
SBI Shinsei Bank's move to double interest rates for seniors to 0.4% emerged as financial institutions position for demographic shifts. By afternoon, coverage shifted to Trump's proposed 25% auto tariffs, with analysis suggesting a potential 3 trillion yen impact on Japan's six major automakers. This development builds on previous days' coverage of U.S.-Japan trade tensions and Nippon Steel's strategic positioning.
The day's coverage concluded with warnings about an incoming cold wave for the three-day weekend, while legal commentary emerged regarding the 10-year sentence given to PM Kishida's attacker.
SBI Shinsei Bank's move to double interest rates for seniors to 0.4% emerged as financial institutions position for demographic shifts. By afternoon, coverage shifted to Trump's proposed 25% auto tariffs, with analysis suggesting a potential 3 trillion yen impact on Japan's six major automakers. This development builds on previous days' coverage of U.S.-Japan trade tensions and Nippon Steel's strategic positioning.
The day's coverage concluded with warnings about an incoming cold wave for the three-day weekend, while legal commentary emerged regarding the 10-year sentence given to PM Kishida's attacker.
Netherlands
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
Trump's escalating rhetoric against Zelensky dominated coverage, starting with morning reports of his position on Ukraine and culminating in directly labeling Zelensky a "dictator." The EU responded by advancing new sanctions against Russia, while US signals suggested potential sanctions relief.
Brussels made concessions to farmers by dropping livestock reduction measures, while revealing plans to mandate local procurement in European tenders. The Netherlands faced scrutiny over wealthy families holding €30 billion in nearly untaxed foundations.
Public broadcasting restructuring plans emerged, targeting management reduction and separate broadcasting houses. Evening discussions centered on requirements for a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine, emphasizing robust armament needs. The parliament shifted toward supporting a fireworks ban, with exceptions for community events.
Brussels made concessions to farmers by dropping livestock reduction measures, while revealing plans to mandate local procurement in European tenders. The Netherlands faced scrutiny over wealthy families holding €30 billion in nearly untaxed foundations.
Public broadcasting restructuring plans emerged, targeting management reduction and separate broadcasting houses. Evening discussions centered on requirements for a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine, emphasizing robust armament needs. The parliament shifted toward supporting a fireworks ban, with exceptions for community events.
India
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
Trump's questioning of USAID's $21 million voter turnout fund for India dominated early morning coverage, with multiple outlets repeating his "they have more money" quote. By noon, BJP's selection of first-time MLA Rekha Gupta as Delhi's Chief Minister emerged as the central story, following three days of speculation since the election results.
The announcement process unfolded gradually, with observers arriving at BJP headquarters, followed by MLAs' meeting and formal selection. Gupta met the Lieutenant Governor in late afternoon to stake claim, with oath-taking scheduled for tomorrow at Ramlila Maidan.
In parallel coverage, the Jamia student crackdown continued generating debate, while New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the Champions Trophy opener in Dubai, where India's matches were relocated despite Pakistan hosting the tournament.
The announcement process unfolded gradually, with observers arriving at BJP headquarters, followed by MLAs' meeting and formal selection. Gupta met the Lieutenant Governor in late afternoon to stake claim, with oath-taking scheduled for tomorrow at Ramlila Maidan.
In parallel coverage, the Jamia student crackdown continued generating debate, while New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the Champions Trophy opener in Dubai, where India's matches were relocated despite Pakistan hosting the tournament.
Poland
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with reactions to the Riyadh talks, as Trump labeled Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections" and demanded Ukrainian elections as precondition for peace. This triggered an emergency National Security Council meeting in Warsaw.
By afternoon, SpaceX Falcon 9 debris scattered near Poznań became a subject of institutional friction, as the Polish Space Agency revealed it had warned about the trajectory while the Defense Ministry claimed ignorance. The Hudson Institute published a report critical of Tusk's government, which former officials interpreted as a "yellow light" from Trump's administration.
Evening coverage centered on the Vatican's updates about Pope Francis's bilateral pneumonia, while European capitals processed Trump's alignment with Putin's position on Ukraine. The German government's announcement about redirecting migrants to Poland added pressure on Warsaw's diplomatic position.
By afternoon, SpaceX Falcon 9 debris scattered near Poznań became a subject of institutional friction, as the Polish Space Agency revealed it had warned about the trajectory while the Defense Ministry claimed ignorance. The Hudson Institute published a report critical of Tusk's government, which former officials interpreted as a "yellow light" from Trump's administration.
Evening coverage centered on the Vatican's updates about Pope Francis's bilateral pneumonia, while European capitals processed Trump's alignment with Putin's position on Ukraine. The German government's announcement about redirecting migrants to Poland added pressure on Warsaw's diplomatic position.
Spain
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
Morning coverage centered on Europe's military spending plans, with PP leaders pushing for budgets beyond 3%. The Trump-Zelensky confrontation escalated throughout the day, beginning with Trump blaming Ukraine for the war. Zelensky responded by accusing Trump of living in a "disinformation bubble," leading to Trump branding him a "dictator" and warning Ukraine could disappear if it doesn't "act quickly."
These exchanges occurred against the backdrop of US-Russia negotiations in Riyadh, from which Europe remains excluded. Spanish media tracked domestic implications, including Trump's proposed tariffs threatening €45 million in Catalan food exports.
The evening shifted to Mbappé's hat-trick against Manchester City, while continuing coverage of Trump's increasing influence over European affairs and the reshaping of international order persisted in background reporting.
These exchanges occurred against the backdrop of US-Russia negotiations in Riyadh, from which Europe remains excluded. Spanish media tracked domestic implications, including Trump's proposed tariffs threatening €45 million in Catalan food exports.
The evening shifted to Mbappé's hat-trick against Manchester City, while continuing coverage of Trump's increasing influence over European affairs and the reshaping of international order persisted in background reporting.
Turkey
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with President Erdogan's stern warnings to TÜSİAD, followed by prosecutors launching investigations against its chairman Orhan Turan and advisory council head Tuncay Aras. By afternoon, both were escorted by police for questioning, culminating in prosecutors requesting travel bans.
Heavy snowfall hit Istanbul, prompting school closures and transportation adjustments. Metro services were extended until 2 AM, while maritime traffic through the Bosphorus was suspended.
Reports emerged of six migrants losing their lives off İzmir's coast, while animal rights activist "Aunt Necla" died in a suspicious house fire after being targeted on social media. The evening brought news of Trump calling Zelenskyy a "dictator," adding complexity to ongoing Turkey-Ukraine diplomatic efforts initiated during Zelenskyy's visit yesterday.
Heavy snowfall hit Istanbul, prompting school closures and transportation adjustments. Metro services were extended until 2 AM, while maritime traffic through the Bosphorus was suspended.
Reports emerged of six migrants losing their lives off İzmir's coast, while animal rights activist "Aunt Necla" died in a suspicious house fire after being targeted on social media. The evening brought news of Trump calling Zelenskyy a "dictator," adding complexity to ongoing Turkey-Ukraine diplomatic efforts initiated during Zelenskyy's visit yesterday.
China
•19.02.2025
•Wednesday
•187 days ago
•⌨
State media orchestrated synchronized coverage of Xi's private enterprise symposium, continuing the previous day's protective messaging. SCMP's report on China's claimed dominance in humanoid robotics provided technological counterweight to the economic narrative.
By mid-morning, Beijing announced a 11.6 billion yuan land reserve bond restart, while mainland parents' increasing interest in Hong Kong education emerged through talent schemes data. Chinese scientists' announcement of new nickel-based superconducting material added to the technological sovereignty narrative.
Afternoon coverage shifted to international dynamics, with Trump's announcement of 25% tariff on imported cars and Meituan's Middle East expansion through Keeta. The day closed with US-Russia talks excluding Ukraine, while Hong Kong's Democratic Party faced potential disbandment discussions and Jimmy Lai's trial continued.
By mid-morning, Beijing announced a 11.6 billion yuan land reserve bond restart, while mainland parents' increasing interest in Hong Kong education emerged through talent schemes data. Chinese scientists' announcement of new nickel-based superconducting material added to the technological sovereignty narrative.
Afternoon coverage shifted to international dynamics, with Trump's announcement of 25% tariff on imported cars and Meituan's Middle East expansion through Keeta. The day closed with US-Russia talks excluding Ukraine, while Hong Kong's Democratic Party faced potential disbandment discussions and Jimmy Lai's trial continued.
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