February
01.02.2025
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Saturday
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Two Planes Fall as Hostages Walk Free

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The morning saw Hamas release three Israeli hostages as part of a prisoner exchange, while Palestinian detainees returned to the West Bank through the reopened Rafah crossing. This development occurred against the backdrop of two aviation disasters.

A medical transport plane carrying a child patient crashed in Philadelphia 30 seconds after takeoff, initially reported with six casualties. By afternoon, the death toll reached seven, including a person in a car. This second aviation disaster followed the Washington DC collision, where the Army finally identified the Black Hawk pilot as Captain Rebecca Lobach.

Trump's administration announced new tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China, citing fentanyl concerns. The policy shift emerged while investigators recovered black boxes from both aircraft in the DC crash, promising a 30-day timeline for preliminary findings.
02.02.2025
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Sunday
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Trade Arrows Fly Above Northern Lights

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Trump's imposition of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China triggered cascading responses throughout the day. By dawn, Canada and Mexico announced retaliatory measures, while China elevated the confrontation by announcing WTO legal action. Trump's suggestion of Canada becoming "the cherished 51st state" prompted Trudeau to urge Canadians to "choose Canadian" products.

The identity of the DC air disaster's Black Hawk pilot emerged as Captain Rebecca Lobach, a former White House aide, providing closure to the three-day mystery that followed the Potomac crash. Investigators promised to "leave no stone unturned" in their probe.

In Kyiv, media attention shifted to the city's drone defense operations, highlighting the use of World War Two-style machine guns mounted on farm trailers. The evening brought news of the first British casualty from Russian drones in 2025, an 18-year-old volunteer killed minutes into his first mission.
03.02.2025
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Monday
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Trade War Waves Break On British Shore

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Trump's trade war escalated through morning hours as Mexico, Canada, and China announced retaliatory measures, causing Asian and European markets to slump. Britain's position emerged as uniquely ambiguous, with Trump suggesting the "out of line" UK might receive special treatment, separate from EU tariffs.

By afternoon, Mexico secured a one-month pause after agreeing to deploy 10,000 troops to its northern border. Canada followed with its own negotiated pause, while canceling a $100m deal with Musk. Markets continued falling as EU leaders called for US cooperation.

Daniel Khalife received a 14-year sentence for spying and prison escape. A tragic stabbing at a Sheffield school resulted in a 15-year-old's death, with another teenager arrested. Prince Louis emerged as royal photographer, releasing a portrait of Princess Catherine for World Cancer Day.
04.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Letby's Trial and Sweden's Pain

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The morning brought medical experts challenging Lucy Letby's murder conviction, claiming no crimes were committed and questioning the evidence that led to her life sentence. The experts' presentation dominated UK media until midday.

Trump's trade confrontation with China materialized as both sides implemented new tariffs, while Canada and Mexico secured temporary reprieves through border security agreements. Markets responded negatively to the escalation.

By early afternoon, attention shifted to Sweden as reports emerged of a shooting at an education center in Örebro. The situation evolved from initial reports of five injured to confirmation of approximately ten deaths, marking Sweden's worst mass shooting. The evening saw Trump hosting Netanyahu, announcing US withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council and proposing Palestinian resettlement outside Gaza. The day concluded with news of Aga Khan IV's death in Lisbon.
05.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Gaza Riviera Dreams Meet Global No

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Trump's meeting with Netanyahu produced a plan for US control of Gaza, proposing to relocate Palestinians and transform the territory into a "Riviera of the Middle East." The proposal evolved from early morning headlines into a diplomatic crisis by afternoon, as Egypt, Jordan, China, and the UK voiced opposition. Palestinian representatives told Trump to "go to hell."

Kay Burley announced her departure from Sky News after 36 years, while the Lucy Letby case resurfaced with her mother criticizing campaigns for the nurse's release. The Nottingham killer case revealed NHS hesitation to forcibly medicate due to needle phobia.

In transport news, an Avanti West Coast passenger faced backlash for racist comments, while investigators reported progress in the French Alps murder case, linking it to a Swiss special forces soldier's distinctive shooting technique. A Sheffield school stabbing resulted in murder charges against a 15-year-old.
06.02.2025
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Thursday
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Bank Cuts Rate While Trump Shields Israel

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The Bank of England reduced interest rates to 4.5% and halved growth forecasts, putting pressure on Rachel Reeves's economic plans. The move marks a shift from previous monetary policy, though markets remained cautious.

Trump's proposal for Gaza control and Palestinian relocation evolved into concrete action as he signed an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court. The sanctions target the ICC's investigation of US and Israeli activities, with Netanyahu meeting US lawmakers throughout the day.

The evening brought multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against celebrity chef Gino D'Acampo, spanning a 12-year period. The story gained momentum through repeated coverage in tabloids.

French PM Gabriel Attal survived two no-confidence votes, preserving Macron's government amid ongoing protests over agricultural reforms.
07.02.2025
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Friday
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ICC Defies While Grenfell Falls

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Trump's sanctions against the ICC over its Israel-Hamas investigations prompted immediate international response, with the court vowing to continue its work despite US pressure. Throughout the day, dozens of countries voiced support for the ICC, though some notable allies remained silent.

The government's confirmation of Grenfell Tower's demolition sparked controversy among survivors, marking a significant shift in the building's post-fire legacy. Meanwhile, ITV pulled all Gino D'Acampo's shows following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct spanning 12 years.

By evening, attention turned to the Franco-British murder investigation, as new details suggested UK organized crime involvement in the death of a former financial investigator and spouse. The Swedish response to the Örebro shooting materialized in planned gun law reforms, while Hamas named the next three hostages for release, continuing the exchange process that began earlier in the week.
08.02.2025
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Saturday
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Three Hostages Walk Through Media Stage

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The morning began with Hamas's theatrical release of three Israeli hostages - Eli Sharabi, Ohad ben Ami, and Or Levy - who were paraded on stage before cameras, prompting Netanyahu's denunciation of the "shocking" spectacle. Israel responded by releasing 183 Palestinian prisoners.

A British couple's murder in France, initially reported as a local crime, evolved into a potential organized crime case as the woman was identified as a Hollyoaks actor's mother. The story gained prominence throughout the day as details of prior threats emerged.

The evening brought extensive coverage of the Southport attack aftermath, with multiple outlets carrying parallel accounts from victims' parents describing the moment they learned of their daughters' deaths.

The day concluded with the dismissal of a Labour minister over leaked messages hoping for the death of non-Labour voting pensioners, while Harry and Meghan appeared at the Invictus Games opening ceremony.
09.02.2025
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Sunday
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Phantom Corridors and Labour's Messages

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The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza's Netzarim Corridor marked a shift in military strategy, as troops pulled back while ceasefire negotiations continued in Qatar. Released Thai hostages returned to Bangkok, while reports emerged of severe malnutrition among freed captives.

Labour's internal crisis deepened with the dismissal of Andrew Gwynne over WhatsApp messages, leading to calls for investigation of a second MP. The party simultaneously shelved plans for gender law reforms and faced criticism over school capacity issues ahead of private education VAT changes.

Trump made multiple policy announcements, including 25% steel tariffs and claims of discussions with Putin about ending the Ukraine war. He tasked Musk with investigating military spending while defending him against mounting criticism.

The French double murder investigation of a British couple shifted focus toward organized crime connections, as friends rejected suicide theories.
10.02.2025
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Monday
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Eagles Soar Through Trump's Steel Storm

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The Eagles' victory over the Chiefs at Super Bowl 59 dominated early coverage, with reports focusing on Taylor Swift's presence and Trump's early departure. Kendrick Lamar's halftime show, featuring Samuel L. Jackson, faced technical difficulties but maintained political undertones.

Trump's announcement of 25% steel and aluminum tariffs emerged as the day's defining economic story, with Britain notably declining to join EU retaliatory measures. The policy announcement expanded through the day to include additional executive orders on plastic straws and bribery rules.

Labour's internal crisis deepened with another MP's suspension over inappropriate WhatsApp messages, while farmers protested in London with tractors against the party's inheritance tax proposals. By evening, Hamas's suspension of hostage releases marked a potential breakdown of the ceasefire arrangement, prompting Trump to call for its cancellation unless all hostages were returned by Saturday.
11.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Hostages Dance Through Trump's Deadline

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The morning brought news of Vince Neil's private jet crash in Arizona, resulting in one death. The incident dominated early coverage until Trump's Gaza ultimatum emerged as the day's central narrative. Trump demanded Hamas release all hostages by Saturday or "all hell would break out," a position Netanyahu later echoed with his own ultimatum.

Hamas rejected these demands, insisting that respecting the existing truce framework remained the only path forward. The story gained complexity as Trump prepared to meet Jordan's King Abdullah II amid threats to withhold aid from countries rejecting his Gaza plans.

Metropolitan Police faced institutional challenges after a court ruling prevented the dismissal of officers failing vetting procedures. The French investigation into a British couple's death was classified as homicide, marking a shift from initial speculation about suicide. The Labour party continued managing fallout from its WhatsApp controversies.
12.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Trump's Peace Dance With Putin

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Netanyahu's Saturday ultimatum for hostage releases dominated morning coverage, following Trump's similar demand from the previous day. By mid-day, US defense officials announced a significant shift away from European security commitments, declaring Ukraine's pre-2014 border aspirations "unrealistic."

The afternoon brought news of a 90-minute call between Trump and Putin, leading to announcements of immediate Ukraine peace negotiations. Trump expressed agreement with Putin's stance on keeping Ukraine out of NATO, and plans emerged for a meeting in Saudi Arabia. These developments followed Trump's tariff announcements from February 10th and previous hints at Putin discussions.

Domestic issues included MI5's admission of providing false evidence to protect a neo-Nazi spy, and Labour's controversial proposal to deny citizenship to small boat refugees, marking a hardening stance on immigration policy.
13.02.2025
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Thursday
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Peace Talks Dance Around Ukraine's Chair

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Trump's overnight announcement of Ukraine peace talks with Putin triggered immediate European pushback, with UK Defence Secretary emphasizing "no talks without Ukraine." The diplomatic tension escalated as European leaders demanded inclusion in negotiations, while US Defense Secretary Hegseth defended Trump's initiative.

A vehicle ramming in Munich by an Afghan asylum seeker injured 28 people near a security conference venue, drawing attention from the Ukraine developments. By afternoon, Russia claimed Ukraine would participate in talks, contradicting Zelensky's explicit rejection of any deal made without Kyiv's involvement.

Evening brought Trump's announcement of new tariffs on trading partners, particularly targeting countries charging VAT, connecting to his trade policy shifts from February 10th. The move signals potential economic confrontation paralleling the diplomatic repositioning on Ukraine.
14.02.2025
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Friday
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Vance Strikes Europe While Chernobyl Burns

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The day opened with Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs targeting VAT-charging countries, potentially costing Britain £24 billion. A Russian drone strike on Chernobyl's protective shelter dominated morning coverage, with IAEA monitoring for radiation leaks.

At the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky rejected Trump's proposed three-way peace talks and warned of potential Russian attacks on NATO countries by 2026. Vice President Vance delivered a confrontational speech, declaring free speech retreat in Europe a greater threat than Russia, while suggesting possible US troop deployment if Putin rejects peace terms.

Evening coverage focused on European reactions to Vance's speech, with accusations of "trying to pick a fight" with the EU. The diplomatic tension marks a significant shift in US-European relations, connecting to Trump's earlier moves on Ukraine peace negotiations and trade policy.
15.02.2025
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Saturday
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Europe Stands Outside Peace Door

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The morning opened with a Hamas-Israel hostage exchange, releasing three Israelis for 369 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange proceeded despite Trump's calls for a "hard stance" on Gaza.

By afternoon, Zelensky called for a "European army" to counter Russia, as US envoys announced Europe's exclusion from Ukraine-Russia peace talks. This development follows Vance's confrontational Munich speech from yesterday and Trump's direct negotiations with Putin.

Evening brought European responses, with Macron calling an emergency summit and Starmer pledging to "keep US and Europe together." The summit announcement marks a shift from traditional US-European diplomatic channels, as European leaders attempt to maintain influence over Ukraine's future.

A Syrian asylum seeker's knife attack in Austria, killing a 14-year-old, added to ongoing European immigration debates following yesterday's Munich vehicle ramming.
16.02.2025
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Sunday
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Europe Gathers While Ukraine Watches

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European leaders prepared for Macron's emergency summit as Ukraine learned of its exclusion from US-Russia peace talks in Saudi Arabia. The development follows Trump's direct negotiations with Putin and Vance's Munich speech, marking a shift in diplomatic channels.

By midday, Zelensky warned of "100% risk" of Russian occupation of Europe if US exits NATO, while former UK PM condemned US "cuddling up" to Putin. Breitbart revealed Trump's administration demanding Europeans list available troops and weapons for a Ukraine peacekeeping force.

Evening brought Starmer's commitment to deploy British troops in Ukraine under a peace deal, followed by the PM's similar stance. The position marks a departure from previous British policy of avoiding direct military involvement, suggesting preparation for post-peace European security arrangements without US guarantees.
17.02.2025
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Monday
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The Dance of Peace Without Europe

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British leaders joined Europe's emergency response to US-Russia peace talks, with Starmer and the PM pledging British peacekeeping troops for Ukraine. The morning saw Russia explicitly rejecting European participation in Saudi negotiations, while Poland's Tusk declared refusal to send troops.

By afternoon, Zelenskyy stated Ukraine would not accept any deal made without its involvement. The Paris summit revealed deep divisions, with Germany's Scholz attempting to bridge the US-Europe gap. Evening brought Starmer's pivot to demanding US security guarantees as a "backstop" for any peace arrangement, marking a shift from morning's independent European posturing to acceptance of US leadership.

The media focus remained on diplomatic maneuvering, showing progression from previous days' European exclusion from peace talks to attempted assertion of relevance through military commitments, ending with acknowledgment of US primacy.
18.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Dance in Riyadh Without Ukraine

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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.
19.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Trump and Zelensky Trade Truths Through Media

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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.
20.02.2025
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Thursday
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Trump Silences Zelensky's Answer

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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.
21.02.2025
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Friday
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The Day Hamas Mixed The Bones

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Early morning brought Hamas's return of remains claimed to be Shiri Bibas, which Israel identified as belonging to someone else. Hamas then claimed Bibas's remains were mixed with others in an airstrike rubble, while Israeli forensics suggested her children were killed by physical violence.

By midday, Trump's criticism of Zelensky gained momentum as Musk joined in, describing Ukraine's leadership as a "fraud machine." Trump's envoy Kellogg attempted damage control, calling Zelensky "courageous" after discussions, while reports emerged of potential automatic NATO membership for Ukraine in future peace deals.

Evening saw Trump expanding his criticism to include Starmer and Macron for "doing nothing" to end the war. By late night, Ukraine appeared to shift position, with reports indicating Zelensky's willingness to sign a US-brokered minerals deal that he had rejected earlier in the week.
22.02.2025
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Saturday
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The Day Six Crossed For Six Hundred

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Morning reports showed Hamas releasing six Israeli hostages, including Avera Mengistu and Tal Shoham, in exchange for 602 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange occurred alongside confirmation of Shiri Bibas's death in captivity, following yesterday's controversy over mixed remains.

The Ukraine situation evolved from early morning reports of Zelensky's surrender to Trump's minerals deal, through Trump's admission that Russia did invade Ukraine, to Zelensky's afternoon refusal to sign the "problematic" deal. Ukrainian soldiers presented contradictory narratives, some claiming Russia's weakness while others expressed concern over territorial losses.

Evening brought reports of Pope Francis entering critical condition after a respiratory crisis, requiring blood transfusions. The Vatican's updates marked a shift from previous health assessments. German political developments continued with Berlin preparing for elections, while arrests near the Holocaust Memorial highlighted ongoing security concerns.
23.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day AfD Rose While Zelensky Bowed

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German election coverage dominated morning reports, with the conservative CDU securing victory while the far-right AfD achieved its strongest post-war showing, taking second place. Trump praised these results as "a great day for Germany."

Russia marked the war's third anniversary with its largest drone attack on Ukraine, while Zelensky made an unexpected offer to resign in exchange for NATO membership and peace - a significant shift following recent tensions with Trump over minerals deals and peace terms.

The Vatican issued regular updates on Pope Francis's condition after his respiratory crisis, reporting he received blood transfusions but maintained stable condition. His message to Catholics from his hospital bed suggested continued awareness despite health concerns.

British coverage highlighted domestic concerns over vaping health risks and rising crime rates at train stations, while immigration debates intensified following controversial court decisions.
24.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Europe Lost Another Shield

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The German federal election results confirmed CDU's victory while delivering unprecedented gains for the far-right AfD, leading both to Friedrich Merz's calls for European "independence" from US influence and Elon Musk's controversial congratulations to AfD leadership.

By midday, attention shifted to Labour MP Mike Amesbury's jailing for assault, creating potential electoral opportunities for Reform UK. Meanwhile, Trump initiated direct peace discussions with Putin, sidestepping European intermediaries and proposing European peacekeepers for Ukraine.

Evening developments centered on the US joining Russia and North Korea in opposing a UN Ukraine resolution, while Trump and Macron's White House meeting exposed deepening transatlantic rifts. Macron's pushback against Trump's claims about Putin's peace terms highlighted growing European concerns about US reliability in NATO, echoing Germany's morning calls for strategic autonomy.
25.02.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day Aid Paid For Arms

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Morning brought Trump's claims about Putin accepting European peacekeepers in Ukraine, promptly denied by the Kremlin. US alignment with Russia in UN votes sparked criticism of a "new axis of evil." NATO scrambled jets as Russian nuclear-capable bombers struck Ukraine while US B-52s patrolled Russian borders.

PM Starmer announced Britain's largest defense spending increase since the Cold War, raising it to 2.5% GDP by 2027, funded through foreign aid cuts. The move preceded his scheduled meeting with Trump, prompting accusations of following US pressure.

By evening, reports emerged of Ukraine agreeing to share mineral resources with the US, marking a significant shift from Zelensky's previous rejection of similar proposals. This development followed three days of mounting pressure from Washington and reflected growing Ukrainian isolation as European influence in peace negotiations diminished.
26.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Zelensky Traded Minerals For Nothing

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Morning reports announced Ukraine's agreement to sign a minerals deal with the US, seemingly securing American support. Trump's release of an AI-generated vision for Gaza's future, featuring casinos and his golden statue, briefly diverted media attention.

By early afternoon, Zelensky challenged the narrative, stating no security guarantees were agreed upon and the deal's success "depends on Trump." This revelation aligned with Trump's subsequent announcement that Europe, not the US, would handle Ukraine's security, telling Kyiv to "forget about" NATO membership.

Evening coverage shifted to Starmer's US visit, as he prepared to confront Trump with warnings about Putin's ambitions. This diplomatic tension followed Starmer's earlier announcement of Britain's largest defense spending increase since the Cold War, funded through foreign aid cuts - a move appearing to preemptively align with Trump's demands while maintaining strategic independence.
27.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Hackman's Death Masked Starmer's Dance

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The morning began with Hamas returning four hostages' bodies and Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners, while Starmer arrived in Washington for talks with Trump. Media attention shifted dramatically with reports of Gene Hackman and his wife's deaths, initially presented as a simple discovery but evolving through the day into a complex mystery involving separate rooms, mummified remains, and possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

By afternoon, Starmer's White House meeting produced significant diplomatic outcomes: Trump accepted an unprecedented second state visit invitation from King Charles, indicated support for the Chagos deal, and suggested UK exemption from planned EU tariffs. This followed previous days' developments regarding Ukraine's minerals deal and defense spending increases.

The evening press conference revealed Trump praising Starmer as a "tough negotiator" while maintaining his position that Europe, not the US, should guarantee Ukraine's security.
28.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Peace Turned To Ashes

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Morning coverage focused on Starmer's success with Trump, securing potential tariff exemptions and a second state visit through royal diplomacy. Labour's internal crisis emerged as Dodds resigned over foreign aid cuts to fund defense spending.

By afternoon, Zelensky arrived at the White House for mineral negotiations, following Trump's earlier receptiveness to UK trade. The meeting deteriorated rapidly into confrontation, with Trump accusing Zelensky of "gambling with World War Three" and demanding immediate peace with Russia. The planned minerals deal collapsed as Trump ordered Zelensky to leave, telling him to return "when ready for peace."

Evening coverage tracked European leaders rallying around Zelensky while Russia welcomed the breakdown. The dramatic shift from morning's diplomatic optimism to evening's crisis highlighted the media's role in narrating the continuing realignment of Western alliances.
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