February 20, 2025
US
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Morning brought McConnell's retirement announcement, marking the end of his Senate leadership after Trump's criticism of his Ukraine stance. By early afternoon, the Senate confirmed Kash Patel as FBI Director in a narrow 51-49 vote, consolidating Trump's control over federal law enforcement.
Hamas returned bodies of Israeli hostages, including the Bibas children, in what media described as a propaganda display. Trump continued aligning with Russian positions on Ukraine, echoing Kremlin talking points while European leaders scrambled to maintain unity without US support.
Evening coverage focused on the administration's expansion of deportation policies, with 500,000 Haitians losing protected status as migrants were cleared from Guantanamo Bay. The courts allowed federal worker layoffs to proceed, while New York activated National Guard amid prison guard strikes. Multiple bus explosions in Tel Aviv marked the day's end.
Hamas returned bodies of Israeli hostages, including the Bibas children, in what media described as a propaganda display. Trump continued aligning with Russian positions on Ukraine, echoing Kremlin talking points while European leaders scrambled to maintain unity without US support.
Evening coverage focused on the administration's expansion of deportation policies, with 500,000 Haitians losing protected status as migrants were cleared from Guantanamo Bay. The courts allowed federal worker layoffs to proceed, while New York activated National Guard amid prison guard strikes. Multiple bus explosions in Tel Aviv marked the day's end.
Israel
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning papers prepared Israel for receiving four hostage bodies from Hamas. The transfer began with Hamas staging a ceremony in Khan Younis, which Israeli sources criticized as violating agreements. The Red Cross vehicles received the coffins by 8 AM, followed by an IDF ceremony in Gaza with Chief Rabbi Karim.
By afternoon, forensics confirmed Oded Lifshitz was murdered in Islamic Jihad captivity over a year ago, while identification continued for Shiri Bibas and her children. Thousands gathered at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square as a senior diplomatic source indicated Phase Two negotiations would be "complex and lengthy."
Evening brought a coordinated terror attempt in central Israel, with three bombs exploding in empty buses across Bat Yam and Holon, while two additional devices were discovered. The 5kg devices, marked "Revenge from Tulkarem," were meant to detonate Friday morning.
By afternoon, forensics confirmed Oded Lifshitz was murdered in Islamic Jihad captivity over a year ago, while identification continued for Shiri Bibas and her children. Thousands gathered at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square as a senior diplomatic source indicated Phase Two negotiations would be "complex and lengthy."
Evening brought a coordinated terror attempt in central Israel, with three bombs exploding in empty buses across Bat Yam and Holon, while two additional devices were discovered. The 5kg devices, marked "Revenge from Tulkarem," were meant to detonate Friday morning.
Germany
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Trump's escalating criticism of Zelenskyy dominated morning coverage, with new accusations about a failed rare earth minerals deal adding to previous "dictator" comments. Hamas's return of four hostages' bodies redirected attention briefly, before coverage returned to Ukraine as European leaders scrambled to position themselves between Washington and Kiev.
By afternoon, reports emerged of potential US troop withdrawals from German bases, while Macron and Meloni competed for Trump's attention. The evening brought revelations of Putin's Arctic deal overtures to Trump, suggesting coordinated pressure on Ukraine.
The day concluded with the final TV debate ("Schlussrunde"), where Baerbock and Dobrindt clashed over Ukraine policy. The European Central Bank's record loss announcement punctuated broader concerns about European autonomy in face of US-Russia dialogue.
By afternoon, reports emerged of potential US troop withdrawals from German bases, while Macron and Meloni competed for Trump's attention. The evening brought revelations of Putin's Arctic deal overtures to Trump, suggesting coordinated pressure on Ukraine.
The day concluded with the final TV debate ("Schlussrunde"), where Baerbock and Dobrindt clashed over Ukraine policy. The European Central Bank's record loss announcement punctuated broader concerns about European autonomy in face of US-Russia dialogue.
France
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Morning headlines focused on Trump's characterization of Zelensky as an "unelected dictator," with European leaders rushing to defend Ukraine's democratic status. By mid-morning, Hamas returned four bodies of Israeli hostages through the Red Cross, including the Bibas family, prompting nationwide mourning in Israel.
Parliament adopted strict regulations on PFAS "forever chemicals," positioning France as a pioneer in environmental protection. The Court of Accounts released projections showing pension deficits reaching €30 billion by 2045, reigniting reform debates.
Evening coverage centered on Macron's social media session addressing Ukraine, where he confirmed his Monday visit to Washington. He plans to confront Trump about Putin while supporting European peacekeeping forces. Three explosions near Tel Aviv marked the night, while China expressed concern about US-Russia bilateral negotiations excluding other powers.
Parliament adopted strict regulations on PFAS "forever chemicals," positioning France as a pioneer in environmental protection. The Court of Accounts released projections showing pension deficits reaching €30 billion by 2045, reigniting reform debates.
Evening coverage centered on Macron's social media session addressing Ukraine, where he confirmed his Monday visit to Washington. He plans to confront Trump about Putin while supporting European peacekeeping forces. Three explosions near Tel Aviv marked the night, while China expressed concern about US-Russia bilateral negotiations excluding other powers.
Lebanon
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with preparations for Nasrallah's funeral, as Middle East Airlines announced route changes for February 23rd. Hamas delivered bodies of four Israeli hostages, including the Bibas family, while Lebanon's government continued pressing for Israeli withdrawal from the five strategic points.
By afternoon, controversy erupted at Beirut airport over pro-Hezbollah demonstrations, while discussions intensified about which officials would attend the funeral. A mini-Arab summit was announced in Saudi Arabia to counter Trump's Gaza proposals.
Storm "Adam" brought unusual weather conditions, with snow reaching coastal areas including Tripoli. The evening was marked by multiple bus explosions in Tel Aviv, followed by Netanyahu calling emergency security consultations. Reports emerged of an Israeli strike on Wadi Khaled, while the Justice Minister emphasized non-interference in the port explosion investigation.
By afternoon, controversy erupted at Beirut airport over pro-Hezbollah demonstrations, while discussions intensified about which officials would attend the funeral. A mini-Arab summit was announced in Saudi Arabia to counter Trump's Gaza proposals.
Storm "Adam" brought unusual weather conditions, with snow reaching coastal areas including Tripoli. The evening was marked by multiple bus explosions in Tel Aviv, followed by Netanyahu calling emergency security consultations. Reports emerged of an Israeli strike on Wadi Khaled, while the Justice Minister emphasized non-interference in the port explosion investigation.
Ukraine
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Russian forces launched massive attacks on Ukraine's gas infrastructure and Odesa's power grid during early morning hours. Trump's accusations against Zelenskyy regarding a failed minerals deal dominated morning coverage, while Republicans compared Trump to Stalin.
Starmer's proposal to deploy 30,000 European troops in Ukraine gained traction across media platforms. By afternoon, Trump's envoy Kellogg met Zelenskyy in Kyiv, with Washington specifically requesting no press conference or statements - a sharp departure from diplomatic norms. Zelenskyy later indicated readiness for a "strong deal" regarding minerals and security.
Evening reports revealed US resistance to labeling Russia as "aggressor" in G7's third invasion anniversary statement, while claims emerged about US halting weapons sales to Ukraine. These developments followed the previous day's Saudi talks exclusion and Trump's escalating rhetoric against Kyiv.
Starmer's proposal to deploy 30,000 European troops in Ukraine gained traction across media platforms. By afternoon, Trump's envoy Kellogg met Zelenskyy in Kyiv, with Washington specifically requesting no press conference or statements - a sharp departure from diplomatic norms. Zelenskyy later indicated readiness for a "strong deal" regarding minerals and security.
Evening reports revealed US resistance to labeling Russia as "aggressor" in G7's third invasion anniversary statement, while claims emerged about US halting weapons sales to Ukraine. These developments followed the previous day's Saudi talks exclusion and Trump's escalating rhetoric against Kyiv.
Palestine
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning centered on Hamas's handover of four Israeli captives' remains in Khan Yunis, with Palestinian media emphasizing the procedural discipline of their forces and criticizing the Red Cross's perceived double standards. By afternoon, Egypt's reconstruction plan emerged, proposing population redistribution and weapons control mechanisms.
Netanyahu's appointment of Ron Dermer to lead negotiations signaled a shift in diplomatic strategy, while reports surfaced of an Israeli soldier's suicide following Gaza operations. Gaza's health ministry warned of oxygen shortages as polar weather approached refugee camps.
The evening saw multiple bus explosions in Bat Yam near Tel Aviv, triggering security alerts. The incidents occurred as Arab leaders prepared for tomorrow's Riyadh summit to counter Trump's displacement plan, and while Hamas awaited Israeli implementation of humanitarian protocols.
Netanyahu's appointment of Ron Dermer to lead negotiations signaled a shift in diplomatic strategy, while reports surfaced of an Israeli soldier's suicide following Gaza operations. Gaza's health ministry warned of oxygen shortages as polar weather approached refugee camps.
The evening saw multiple bus explosions in Bat Yam near Tel Aviv, triggering security alerts. The incidents occurred as Arab leaders prepared for tomorrow's Riyadh summit to counter Trump's displacement plan, and while Hamas awaited Israeli implementation of humanitarian protocols.
UK
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with the return of four Israeli hostage bodies by Hamas, including the Bibas family, in what observers noted as a propaganda display. This development was overshadowed by escalating US-Ukraine tensions.
By midday, Russia expressed agreement with Trump's "dictator" characterization of Zelensky, while the Kremlin rejected Starmer's proposed European peacekeeping force as "unacceptable." The afternoon saw US officials instructing Zelensky to "tone down" criticism and accept a $500bn minerals deal, culminating in the cancellation of a planned press conference between Zelensky and US envoys.
Evening developments centered on Trump's "frustration" with Zelensky's reluctance to accept US-brokered peace terms, while the Senate confirmed Trump's FBI nominee Kash Patel. Israel reported narrowly avoiding mass casualties when bus bombs accidentally detonated at night instead of during morning rush hour.
By midday, Russia expressed agreement with Trump's "dictator" characterization of Zelensky, while the Kremlin rejected Starmer's proposed European peacekeeping force as "unacceptable." The afternoon saw US officials instructing Zelensky to "tone down" criticism and accept a $500bn minerals deal, culminating in the cancellation of a planned press conference between Zelensky and US envoys.
Evening developments centered on Trump's "frustration" with Zelensky's reluctance to accept US-brokered peace terms, while the Senate confirmed Trump's FBI nominee Kash Patel. Israel reported narrowly avoiding mass casualties when bus bombs accidentally detonated at night instead of during morning rush hour.
Iran
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning began with Iranian state media responding to the display of a Shahed-136 drone at CPAC in Washington, while continuing coverage of Trump's "maximum pressure" statements. Environmental concerns took center stage as Pezeshkian advocated for electric vehicle infrastructure, marking a shift from previous days' focus on currency markets.
By midday, Hamas returned four Israeli hostages' bodies through the Red Cross, while IRGC commander Salami emphasized Iran's stance against global powers. Radio Farda reported a 70% increase in capital flight through cryptocurrencies, connecting to ongoing economic instability.
Evening coverage returned to the CPAC drone display, with opposition media emphasizing its significance as evidence of Iran's regional role. The dollar crossed 94,000 tomans, while the IAEA chief described the JCPOA as an "empty shell," prompting responses from Iran's atomic energy organization.
By midday, Hamas returned four Israeli hostages' bodies through the Red Cross, while IRGC commander Salami emphasized Iran's stance against global powers. Radio Farda reported a 70% increase in capital flight through cryptocurrencies, connecting to ongoing economic instability.
Evening coverage returned to the CPAC drone display, with opposition media emphasizing its significance as evidence of Iran's regional role. The dollar crossed 94,000 tomans, while the IAEA chief described the JCPOA as an "empty shell," prompting responses from Iran's atomic energy organization.
Russia
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Russian state media focused on evolving US positions regarding Ukraine negotiations, with repeated coverage of Trump's criticism of Zelensky and Washington's opposition to using "aggressor" terminology in G7 communiques. This marks a shift from previous days' coverage of bilateral talks in Riyadh.
By afternoon, reports emerged of Putin thanking Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince for organizing the US-Russia dialogue, while coverage continued of intense fighting near the Kursk border. The Central Bank revealed the recovery of 600 billion rubles in frozen assets and discussed fraud in major banks.
Evening brought news of NATO's positive assessment of Trump's Ukraine initiative, while domestic coverage highlighted the closure of 160 hospitals nationwide, reportedly to redirect funds to military needs. Lavrov's handshake with Norway's foreign minister at G20 received attention, signaling potential diplomatic shifts.
By afternoon, reports emerged of Putin thanking Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince for organizing the US-Russia dialogue, while coverage continued of intense fighting near the Kursk border. The Central Bank revealed the recovery of 600 billion rubles in frozen assets and discussed fraud in major banks.
Evening brought news of NATO's positive assessment of Trump's Ukraine initiative, while domestic coverage highlighted the closure of 160 hospitals nationwide, reportedly to redirect funds to military needs. Lavrov's handshake with Norway's foreign minister at G20 received attention, signaling potential diplomatic shifts.
Italy
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning brought Trump's sustained attack on Zelensky's legitimacy, calling him "an unelected dictator," while signaling openness to Moscow's negotiating position. By noon, Washington blocked the UN resolution condemning Russian aggression and advised Kiev to "lower its tone," marking a dramatic shift in US support.
Hamas staged a theatrical display of hostage coffins in Gaza, including the Bibas family, before transferring them to the Red Cross. Netanyahu vowed retribution while Herzog expressed remorse.
The evening saw Tel Aviv facing a coordinated bomb threat with five devices discovered on buses, three detonating without casualties. Domestically, Delmastro's eight-month conviction for the Cospito case revelations prompted opposition calls for resignation, which Meloni rejected as "political justice."
Hamas staged a theatrical display of hostage coffins in Gaza, including the Bibas family, before transferring them to the Red Cross. Netanyahu vowed retribution while Herzog expressed remorse.
The evening saw Tel Aviv facing a coordinated bomb threat with five devices discovered on buses, three detonating without casualties. Domestically, Delmastro's eight-month conviction for the Cospito case revelations prompted opposition calls for resignation, which Meloni rejected as "political justice."
Japan
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning headlines centered on Trump's characterization of Zelenskyy as a dictator, marking a significant shift in U.S.-Ukraine dynamics from previous days' diplomatic tensions. Japan conducted its first direct Taliban talks since 2021, while hosting discussions on tariff exemptions.
Currency markets responded to Trump's policies, pushing the yen to 149 against the dollar. The Bank of Japan governor met with the Prime Minister ahead of G20, suggesting monetary policy adjustments.
Education reform dominated afternoon coverage, with private school subsidies reaching 457,000 yen per student. The Japan Innovation Party's acceptance of the proposal triggered discussions about potential shifts from public to private education. Budget committee talks remained stalled due to ongoing funds scandal investigations, connecting to previous days' parliamentary deadlock.
Currency markets responded to Trump's policies, pushing the yen to 149 against the dollar. The Bank of Japan governor met with the Prime Minister ahead of G20, suggesting monetary policy adjustments.
Education reform dominated afternoon coverage, with private school subsidies reaching 457,000 yen per student. The Japan Innovation Party's acceptance of the proposal triggered discussions about potential shifts from public to private education. Budget committee talks remained stalled due to ongoing funds scandal investigations, connecting to previous days' parliamentary deadlock.
Netherlands
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
PVV Minister Klever announced dramatic cuts to development aid, eliminating support for women's rights, gender equality, and climate programs, maintaining only projects serving direct Dutch interests. This policy shift dominated morning coverage, drawing parallels to Trump's approach.
The RIVM challenged BBB Minister Wiersma's nitrogen policy claims, leading to parliamentary confrontation by evening. Scientists' divergent recommendations on nitrogen limits exposed deepening rifts in the coalition.
Hamas's theatrical return of hostages' bodies through the Red Cross generated diplomatic tension. The US position on Ukraine continued weakening at UN level, while European responses to recent Trump statements crystallized into policy adjustments.
NSC's unexpected reversal on VAT increase to 21.4% revealed growing economic pressures, while housing regulators warned about social housing construction threats from rising land prices.
The RIVM challenged BBB Minister Wiersma's nitrogen policy claims, leading to parliamentary confrontation by evening. Scientists' divergent recommendations on nitrogen limits exposed deepening rifts in the coalition.
Hamas's theatrical return of hostages' bodies through the Red Cross generated diplomatic tension. The US position on Ukraine continued weakening at UN level, while European responses to recent Trump statements crystallized into policy adjustments.
NSC's unexpected reversal on VAT increase to 21.4% revealed growing economic pressures, while housing regulators warned about social housing construction threats from rising land prices.
India
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Rekha Gupta's oath-taking as Delhi's fourth woman Chief Minister dominated morning coverage, with PM Modi attending the Ramlila Ground ceremony. By early afternoon, she performed Yamuna aarti with her cabinet, signaling BJP's focus on river cleaning as a governance priority. Her first cabinet meeting approved Ayushman Bharat implementation and promised to table delayed CAG reports.
The cabinet allocation saw Gupta retain Finance while giving PWD to Parvesh Verma, marking clear departmental ownership for key promises. Trump's claims about USAID's India funding generated political debate, with reports highlighting its reduction from $204M during UPA to $1.5M under Modi.
India defeated Bangladesh in Champions Trophy's opening match in Dubai, with Gill's century and Shami's five wickets leading the win. By evening, Sonia Gandhi's hospitalization at Ganga Ram Hospital emerged as a developing story.
The cabinet allocation saw Gupta retain Finance while giving PWD to Parvesh Verma, marking clear departmental ownership for key promises. Trump's claims about USAID's India funding generated political debate, with reports highlighting its reduction from $204M during UPA to $1.5M under Modi.
India defeated Bangladesh in Champions Trophy's opening match in Dubai, with Gill's century and Shami's five wickets leading the win. By evening, Sonia Gandhi's hospitalization at Ganga Ram Hospital emerged as a developing story.
Poland
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The morning brought revelations about SpaceX's Falcon 9 debris over Poland, exposing communication failures between space agency POLSA and military command. An outdated email address became symbol of institutional dysfunction.
By afternoon, CBA chief Kwiatkowska-Gurdak resigned, with Prime Minister Tusk's terse "resignation accepted" suggesting deeper institutional changes. Foreign Minister Sikorski departed for urgent Washington consultations regarding Ukraine's situation, as European capitals processed Trump's "dictator" label for Zelenskyy.
Evening parliamentary session approved 30-day arrest warrant for former Justice Minister Ziobro, marking escalation in government's institutional reform campaign. Simultaneously, Parliament approved nuclear power plant funding and rejected no-confidence motion against Equality Minister Kotula. France's proposal to deploy peacekeepers to Ukraine received measured coverage, while reports emerged of 150,000 Russian troops in Belarus.
By afternoon, CBA chief Kwiatkowska-Gurdak resigned, with Prime Minister Tusk's terse "resignation accepted" suggesting deeper institutional changes. Foreign Minister Sikorski departed for urgent Washington consultations regarding Ukraine's situation, as European capitals processed Trump's "dictator" label for Zelenskyy.
Evening parliamentary session approved 30-day arrest warrant for former Justice Minister Ziobro, marking escalation in government's institutional reform campaign. Simultaneously, Parliament approved nuclear power plant funding and rejected no-confidence motion against Equality Minister Kotula. France's proposal to deploy peacekeepers to Ukraine received measured coverage, while reports emerged of 150,000 Russian troops in Belarus.
Spain
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
Hamas's theatrical return of four Israeli hostages' bodies dominated morning coverage, occurring against backdrop of Trump's continued alignment with Putin's positions on Ukraine. The murder of former Gandía mayor Arturo Torró emerged as breaking news.
By midday, three major cases captured media attention: Ábalos faced passport withdrawal in the Koldo corruption investigation, Rubiales received a €10,800 fine for the Hermoso kiss while avoiding coercion charges, and Monedero faced sexual harassment allegations at Complutense University.
Evening coverage revealed European mayors, led by Collboni, requesting EU fiscal rule suspension for housing investment, while US diplomatic channels suggested Zelensky "lower his tone" regarding rare earth exploitation agreements. Coverage maintained focus on Spain's increasing military spending commitments amid state budget deadlock.
By midday, three major cases captured media attention: Ábalos faced passport withdrawal in the Koldo corruption investigation, Rubiales received a €10,800 fine for the Hermoso kiss while avoiding coercion charges, and Monedero faced sexual harassment allegations at Complutense University.
Evening coverage revealed European mayors, led by Collboni, requesting EU fiscal rule suspension for housing investment, while US diplomatic channels suggested Zelensky "lower his tone" regarding rare earth exploitation agreements. Coverage maintained focus on Spain's increasing military spending commitments amid state budget deadlock.
Turkey
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
The investigation of TÜSİAD leaders continued with court testimonies revealing their defense of "expressing society's sensitivities." The business leaders were released under travel bans, marking a slight de-escalation from yesterday's police escorts.
Heavy snowfall intensified across Turkey, with 35 provinces closing schools. Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport faced a crisis as multiple aircraft circled with depleting fuel reserves, leading to 45% flight cancellations. The Bosphorus strait closed to maritime traffic due to fog.
Foreign Minister Fidan met his Russian counterpart while emphasizing at G20 that Palestinian territories are "not subject to negotiation." Evening brought news of 63 deaths from counterfeit alcohol in Ankara, while municipalities extended emergency services for snow conditions. The Constitutional Court delegation departed for Qatar amid ongoing institutional tensions.
Heavy snowfall intensified across Turkey, with 35 provinces closing schools. Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport faced a crisis as multiple aircraft circled with depleting fuel reserves, leading to 45% flight cancellations. The Bosphorus strait closed to maritime traffic due to fog.
Foreign Minister Fidan met his Russian counterpart while emphasizing at G20 that Palestinian territories are "not subject to negotiation." Evening brought news of 63 deaths from counterfeit alcohol in Ankara, while municipalities extended emergency services for snow conditions. The Constitutional Court delegation departed for Qatar amid ongoing institutional tensions.
China
•20.02.2025
•Thursday
•185 days ago
•⌨
State media continued synchronized coverage of Xi's private enterprise symposium, though with decreased intensity from previous days. The messaging shifted from general reassurance to specific policy measures, including a 20-point foreign investment plan and retail reform allowing unconditional returns.
Mid-morning brought news of China's 10,910-meter drilling achievement, strategically timed to counter morning reports of Trump's proposed tariff increases. The technological sovereignty narrative expanded with DeepSeek's implementation in port operations.
Hong Kong's increasingly restrictive environment manifested through multiple angles: canceled venue bookings for journalists, proposed union law restrictions, and the Democratic Party's potential disbandment. The day closed with repatriation of 200 telecom fraud suspects from Myanmar, highlighting cross-border law enforcement expansion.
Mid-morning brought news of China's 10,910-meter drilling achievement, strategically timed to counter morning reports of Trump's proposed tariff increases. The technological sovereignty narrative expanded with DeepSeek's implementation in port operations.
Hong Kong's increasingly restrictive environment manifested through multiple angles: canceled venue bookings for journalists, proposed union law restrictions, and the Democratic Party's potential disbandment. The day closed with repatriation of 200 telecom fraud suspects from Myanmar, highlighting cross-border law enforcement expansion.
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