October 18, 2025
US
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
US media heavily focused on President Trump's commutation of former Rep. George Santos' prison sentence in the early morning, with numerous outlets reporting his immediate release. Concurrently, attention began to build around the impending "No Kings" protests against the Trump administration across several cities.
As the day progressed, the "No Kings" protests became the dominant narrative, with extensive coverage across conservative and liberal outlets. These reports highlighted widespread anti-Trump sentiment and large turnouts in rallies nationwide. Separately, Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and his suggestion for an armistice also received significant attention, along with the ongoing government shutdown.
As the day progressed, the "No Kings" protests became the dominant narrative, with extensive coverage across conservative and liberal outlets. These reports highlighted widespread anti-Trump sentiment and large turnouts in rallies nationwide. Separately, Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and his suggestion for an armistice also received significant attention, along with the ongoing government shutdown.
Israel
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Israeli media primarily focused on the return of deceased hostages from Gaza throughout October 18th. The day began with the arrival and identification of Eliyahu Margalit's body, murdered in Nir Oz on October 7th, marking a continuation of previous days' efforts to retrieve fallen captives. As the day progressed, the focus shifted to Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to keep the Rafah crossing closed, directly linking its opening to Hamas fulfilling its commitments regarding deceased hostages. In the evening, Hamas announced it would return two more deceased hostages, with reports tracking the Red Cross's involvement and the subsequent transfer of the bodies to IDF forces and into Israel for identification. This ongoing narrative was underscored by continued protests from hostage families, demanding accountability and the return of all remaining captives.
Germany
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
German media on October 18 continued to focus on the meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Morning reports highlighted that despite warm words, Trump would not deliver Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine (Spiegel, FR, merkur.de), indicating a more direct private conversation between the leaders compared to Trump's public statements.
The mid-morning saw discussions regarding Hungarian citizens seeking asylum in Germany as Ukrainian refugees (Welt) and challenges in bureaucratic digitalization (RP Online). The debate concerning the CDU's stance on the AfD also gained traction, with Merz aiming to address party divisions (RP Online, Tagesspiegel, FR).
By late afternoon and evening, attention shifted to widespread "No Kings" protests against Trump in the USA, with hundreds of thousands demonstrating, fearing an end to American democracy (Spiegel, Tagesspiegel). Separately, reports emerged on Trump's controversial plan to fire artillery over a highway for a Marine celebration (FR).
The mid-morning saw discussions regarding Hungarian citizens seeking asylum in Germany as Ukrainian refugees (Welt) and challenges in bureaucratic digitalization (RP Online). The debate concerning the CDU's stance on the AfD also gained traction, with Merz aiming to address party divisions (RP Online, Tagesspiegel, FR).
By late afternoon and evening, attention shifted to widespread "No Kings" protests against Trump in the USA, with hundreds of thousands demonstrating, fearing an end to American democracy (Spiegel, Tagesspiegel). Separately, reports emerged on Trump's controversial plan to fire artillery over a highway for a Marine celebration (FR).
France
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
On October 18, French media continued to focus on the S&P downgrade of France's sovereign credit rating from AA- to A+, with the Economy Minister acknowledging the seriousness. This downgrade, linked to political instability and public finances, dominated early reports. Concurrently, the Cédric Jubillar murder trial, including his 30-year conviction and subsequent appeal, remained a prominent story. By the early afternoon, news emerged of Nicolas Sarkozy's imminent incarceration in La Santé prison, following his conviction in the Libyan case, attracting significant attention. Later in the day, Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement to seek re-election in Israel and ongoing reports of anti-Trump "No Kings" protests in the US also gained traction.
Lebanon
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
On October 18, Lebanese media initiated discussions on potential new Israeli aggression or an escalation of the war of attrition, with concerns about Israel preventing reconstruction in Gaza (Lebanon24, Al Joumhouria). Early morning reports explored a unified presidential stance post-Gaza and proposed a division of South Lebanon into three security zones (Al Joumhouria). There was also attention to former President Aoun's initiative to place Lebanon at the center of regional dynamics (Kataeb).
By late morning, a significant focus emerged on the question of Lebanon engaging in indirect negotiations with Israel, with discussions on whether Hezbollah would accept such talks (Lebanon24, L'Orient-Le Jour, Al Joumhouria). Iran's declaration of no longer being bound by nuclear program restrictions was also noted (Naharnet).
The afternoon saw further emphasis on the possibility of indirect talks between Aoun and Berri with Israel (Naharnet), with General Security advising caution against scam calls impersonating official entities (Al Joumhouria, LBC, LBCI). The evening highlighted Netanyahu's statements on disarming Hamas to end the Gaza war (Al Joumhouria) and his claims of destroying Hezbollah's weapons (Kataeb), alongside Lebanon's efforts to enhance its regional presence post-Gaza (Addiyar).
By late morning, a significant focus emerged on the question of Lebanon engaging in indirect negotiations with Israel, with discussions on whether Hezbollah would accept such talks (Lebanon24, L'Orient-Le Jour, Al Joumhouria). Iran's declaration of no longer being bound by nuclear program restrictions was also noted (Naharnet).
The afternoon saw further emphasis on the possibility of indirect talks between Aoun and Berri with Israel (Naharnet), with General Security advising caution against scam calls impersonating official entities (Al Joumhouria, LBC, LBCI). The evening highlighted Netanyahu's statements on disarming Hamas to end the Gaza war (Al Joumhouria) and his claims of destroying Hezbollah's weapons (Kataeb), alongside Lebanon's efforts to enhance its regional presence post-Gaza (Addiyar).
Ukraine
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Ukrainian media on October 18, 2025, focused heavily on the aftermath of President Zelenskyy's meeting with President Trump. Morning reports from sources like Kyiv Post and UNIAN highlighted Trump's apparent reluctance to commit to providing Tomahawk missiles, with some outlets suggesting Zelenskyy left the meeting empty-handed on key weapons. Later in the day, Zelenskyy himself acknowledged that Trump "did not say no" to the transfer of Tomahawks, expressing hope for their eventual delivery. Concurrently, attention shifted to a reported meeting between Trump and Putin in Budapest, which El Pais, as cited by Liga.net and UNIAN, characterized as deepening EU divisions regarding the Kremlin. Throughout the day, Ukrinform consistently reported on ongoing combat engagements.
Palestine
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Palestinian media on October 18 began by extensively covering a new Israeli massacre in Gaza's Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, reporting 11 martyrs, including 7 children and 3 women. This occurred amidst continued Israeli ceasefire violations and accusations of organ theft from Palestinian bodies. The return of Eliyahu Margalit's body was announced, and Hamas reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire and body returns. By early afternoon, reports focused on the resumption of education in Gaza and the gradual return to markets. The International Criminal Court reaffirmed arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant. In the evening, Netanyahu's decision to keep the Rafah crossing closed indefinitely was a central focus, seen as a ceasefire violation. Concurrently, Hamas's Qassam Brigades announced they would hand over the bodies of two Israeli captives, a development amidst ongoing ceasefire discussions.
UK
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
UK media continued its intense focus on Prince Andrew throughout the day, following his relinquishing of royal titles on the previous day. Morning reports detailed ongoing discussions about his remaining royal perks and calls from Virginia Giuffre's family for further action. By late morning and early afternoon, new claims emerged, alleging that Andrew had insisted on a gag order for Giuffre to protect the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The narrative intensified in the evening with explosive revelations, including emails, claiming Andrew actively sought to smear Giuffre by procuring her confidential social security number and involving a Met police officer in the effort. Further claims regarding Jeffrey Epstein allegedly bankrolling Sarah Ferguson also surfaced, drawing the entire royal scandal deeper into the media spotlight. Separately, anti-Trump protests in the US and a potential postponement of English elections were also noted.
Iran
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Iranian media extensively reported on October 18, 2025, that UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and its associated nuclear restrictions officially expired. Multiple outlets in the morning declared the end of these limitations, with Iran's Foreign Minister Araqchi asserting global support for this development while acknowledging defiance from some isolated powers. This followed days of discussion regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities. In the afternoon, while the expiration of Resolution 2231 remained a key theme, media also covered the closure of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Other reports detailed judicial actions against members of parliament and discussions on hijab enforcement.
Russia
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Russian media began the day with continued focus on Trump's diplomatic efforts, specifically his refusal to provide Tomahawks to Zelensky and calls for a deal to end the Ukraine conflict. This narrative persisted throughout the morning, with reports highlighting a "tense and uncomfortable discussion" during their meeting. Concurrently, successful Russian air defense operations against Ukrainian drones were noted, alongside early reports of a tunnel connecting the US and Russia. In the afternoon, the focus remained on Trump's denial of Tomahawks and the abrupt end to his meeting with Zelensky. The prospect of a Trump-Putin meeting in Hungary was framed as a "political nightmare" by the EU. Later, Russian forces reportedly liberated Pleshcheevka in the DPR and made a breakthrough in Krasny Liman. The day concluded with attention on Putin's reported demand to Trump for full control over the DPR.
Italy
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Italian media on October 18 continued to focus on the interaction between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky. Early reports highlighted Trump's reluctance to send Tomahawk missiles, citing escalation concerns, and his urging for a peace agreement with Putin, ahead of a planned meeting in Budapest. This stance dominated morning coverage, with some outlets noting Russian media's positive reaction to the outcome of the Trump-Zelensky meeting.
Later in the day, the primary editorial focus shifted to the escalating political dispute between Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Schlein's assertions that democracy was at risk under the right-wing government drew strong condemnations from Meloni, who labeled the claims as 'pure delirium.'
By evening, attention broadened to the Six Kings Slam tennis final between Sinner and Alcaraz, with live updates and match details becoming prominent. Concurrently, reports emerged regarding Putin's alleged request to Trump for Kyiv to cede Donetsk.
Later in the day, the primary editorial focus shifted to the escalating political dispute between Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Schlein's assertions that democracy was at risk under the right-wing government drew strong condemnations from Meloni, who labeled the claims as 'pure delirium.'
By evening, attention broadened to the Six Kings Slam tennis final between Sinner and Alcaraz, with live updates and match details becoming prominent. Concurrently, reports emerged regarding Putin's alleged request to Trump for Kyiv to cede Donetsk.
Japan
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Japanese media on October 18 continued its intense focus on the LDP-Nippon Ishin coalition talks, which had been a prominent theme in previous days. Early reports indicated concerns within the LDP's Osaka chapter regarding the coalition, while Ishin initially favored external cooperation over cabinet positions. By late morning, reports confirmed that Ishin's Endo Kei was to be appointed as Prime Minister's Assistant, signaling deepening cooperation. The day culminated with reports that the LDP and Ishin were expected to sign a coalition government agreement, marking a significant development following the previous day's progress in talks and the acceptance of Ishin's key demands.
Netherlands
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
October 18th saw Dutch media heavily focused on national security and international relations. Morning reports highlighted that Dutch intelligence services were sharing less information with the US, a significant shift.
Concurrently, the ongoing conflict surrounding chipmaker Nexperia, previously covered on October 16th and 15th, continued to be a prominent topic, with reports detailing the internal struggles and potential impact on Europe's chip supply.
Later in the day, geopolitical tensions broadened to include a new resource competition in the Pacific Ocean and renewed US-China escalations, while domestic news covered a range of social issues from youth binge drinking to the risks of dementia.
Concurrently, the ongoing conflict surrounding chipmaker Nexperia, previously covered on October 16th and 15th, continued to be a prominent topic, with reports detailing the internal struggles and potential impact on Europe's chip supply.
Later in the day, geopolitical tensions broadened to include a new resource competition in the Pacific Ocean and renewed US-China escalations, while domestic news covered a range of social issues from youth binge drinking to the risks of dementia.
India
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Indian media on October 18 continued to extensively cover escalating cross-border violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the early morning, reports confirmed three Afghan cricketers were killed in a Pakistani airstrike, leading the Afghanistan Cricket Board to withdraw from an upcoming T20 series. This followed an extended ceasefire that collapsed the previous day. Concurrently, President Trump reiterated his claim that India would stop buying Russian oil. Throughout the day, Rajnath Singh issued warnings to Pakistan regarding India's BrahMos missile capabilities, and Pakistan ordered Afghan refugees to return to their country, further escalating regional tensions. A massive fire also broke out in Delhi apartments allotted to MPs.
Poland
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Polish media on October 18 continued its focus on international relations, with early morning reports highlighting Donald Trump's discussions with Volodymyr Zelensky regarding an end to the conflict and the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. This narrative was intertwined with reports of Vladimir Putin's efforts to counter these moves with peace talks.
Later in the morning, the media also addressed domestic issues such as the effectiveness of the Tusk government and criticisms from conservative outlets. By the afternoon and evening, the central theme remained Trump's perceived influence on US decisions concerning aid to Ukraine, with several outlets characterizing his peace efforts as a "farcical dance" and noting reports of Russian desertions from the army.
The day concluded with further discussions on Trump's visit to Budapest and the ongoing protests against him in the USA.
Later in the morning, the media also addressed domestic issues such as the effectiveness of the Tusk government and criticisms from conservative outlets. By the afternoon and evening, the central theme remained Trump's perceived influence on US decisions concerning aid to Ukraine, with several outlets characterizing his peace efforts as a "farcical dance" and noting reports of Russian desertions from the army.
The day concluded with further discussions on Trump's visit to Budapest and the ongoing protests against him in the USA.
Spain
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Spanish media on October 18th initially focused on the United States' lack of support for Ukraine, with reports highlighting Trump's reluctance to send Tomahawk missiles and his calls for an end to the war. This decision was presented as undermining Ukraine's arsenal, making it more dependent on European aid. The "Koldo case" continued to draw attention, with reports on Aldama's threats regarding a garage purchased by Ábalos.
Later in the day, the narrative shifted dramatically to widespread protests across the United States against Trump. Thousands demonstrated against what was perceived as an authoritarian drift, chanting "We don't want kings." Concurrently, Hamas accused Israel of violating a ceasefire, with ongoing reports of a rising death toll.
Later in the day, the narrative shifted dramatically to widespread protests across the United States against Trump. Thousands demonstrated against what was perceived as an authoritarian drift, chanting "We don't want kings." Concurrently, Hamas accused Israel of violating a ceasefire, with ongoing reports of a rising death toll.
Turkey
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
The day's significant focus was on Kurdish political representation. In the morning, Bianet reported on the sentencing of DEM Party Diyarbakır Deputy Berdan Öztürk to over six years in prison, with Medyascope concurrently discussing the broader issue of Kurdish political representation. Later in the morning, Medyascope's Ruşen Çakır further commented on who could represent Kurds. In the evening, tensions escalated with police intervention at an "Öcalan freedom" march. Concurrently, the Supreme Election Council rejected a request to halt the CHP Istanbul Provincial Congress, allowing it to proceed. In other developments, an ongoing 'black money' investigation saw new developments throughout the day.
China
•18.10.2025
•Saturday
•Yesterday
•⌨
Chinese state media on October 18 continued to focus extensively on President Xi Jinping's initiatives for "Chinese modernization" and the "14th Five-Year Plan." This narrative was amplified in the morning with reports emphasizing Xi's economic thought as a guide for development. Concurrently, other state outlets noted Xi's congratulations to Nauru's re-elected president and highlighted China's productivity.
Later in the day, the focus remained on Xi's economic thought, with several state media outlets releasing series reviews on the subject. Independent outlets reported on US-China trade talks and a "new storm," Chinese energy firms' overseas expansion, and North Korea's nuclear status. Hong Kong's political situation and the passing of physicist Chen-ning Yang were also reported.
Later in the day, the focus remained on Xi's economic thought, with several state media outlets releasing series reviews on the subject. Independent outlets reported on US-China trade talks and a "new storm," Chinese energy firms' overseas expansion, and North Korea's nuclear status. Hong Kong's political situation and the passing of physicist Chen-ning Yang were also reported.