News from February 20, 2025 at 2 PM

Donald Trump sharply criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday, labeling him a 'dictator' and accusing him of corruption, suggesting Zelensky wants to continue receiving foreign aid. Previously, Trump appeared to blame Ukraine, not Russia, for starting the war. Following a lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, Trump is now echoing Russia's talking points on the conflict. Russian Ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, praised the Trump administration's approach. Trump's latest comments reflect a significant shift in his stance on Ukraine, supported by his party. Although some Republican senators expressed dismay, it is unlikely to result in any tangible attempt to redirect Trump's foreign policy.

Hamas announced it will hand over the bodies of four hostages, including those of the Bibas family members Shiri and her young children Kfir and Ariel, on February 20. Hamas claims the three were killed in Israeli bombardment, which Israel has not confirmed. Additionally, Hamas plans to release six living hostages on Saturday, in exchange for Israel freeing all women and those under 19 arrested since last October and allowing some rubble-clearing equipment into Gaza. The Bibas family stated they are aware of the reports but have not received official confirmation. Currently, 73 hostages are held in Gaza, including Israeli soldiers and civilians, as well as Thai and Nepalese nationals. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel could extend the ceasefire if talks are productive.

This year's German election differs from previous ones, with intense campaigning and increased social divisions. The election, moved up to February 23, saw fierce debates among party candidates and campaign slogans随处可见 on the streets. Immigration became a key issue, with controversy over the coalition's collaboration with the AfD. Statements from some U.S. politicians added complexity. Polls indicate the CDU/CSU leading but likely needing a coalition. German politicians are actively using social media to attract young voters.

Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro was charged on Tuesday with leading a coup plot to overturn his 2022 election loss. The charges follow a two-year police investigation that culminated in riots by his supporters in Brasilia in early 2023. Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet accused Bolsonaro and his running mate, General Walter Braga Netto, of leading a 'criminal organization' aiming to establish a new order, including plans to poison President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. A total of 34 people, including several military officials, were charged. Bolsonaro's lawyers denied the allegations, and analysts believe it is unlikely he will be arrested before trial. The case resembles the charges faced by former U.S. President Donald Trump over his 2020 election loss.

The Vatican reported a slight improvement in Pope Francis' blood tests and stable clinical conditions. On February 20, the Vatican stated that the Pope had a peaceful night in the hospital and had breakfast in his armchair. The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs. On the evening of February 19, the Vatican updated that the Pope's blood tests showed a slight improvement and his condition was stable. He had enough energy to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for a 20-minute visit, who described him as 'alert and responsive.' The Pope has faced several health issues in recent years, including colon and hernia surgery and difficulties walking. The Vatican has been issuing regular updates to counter widespread speculation about his health.

A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto crash-landed on Monday, skidding off the runway in flames and flipping over, but all 80 people on board survived. Delta offered $30,000 to each passenger, stating it does not affect their rights. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Crew and emergency responders were praised for their quick evacuation efforts. All but one hospitalized passenger had been released by Wednesday. Experts suggest harsh winter weather and rapid descent as possible causes. US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy emphasized the overall safety of air travel.

Arab leaders are set to meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 21 to counter President Donald Trump's plan for US control of the Gaza Strip and the expulsion of its population. The plan has united Arab states in opposition, but disagreements persist over governance and funding for the war-ravaged Palestinian territory. Dr Umer Karim, an expert on Saudi foreign policy, termed the summit as the 'most consequential' in decades for the Arab world and the Palestinian issue. Trump's proposal to 'take over the Gaza Strip' and relocate its 2.4 million people to neighboring Egypt and Jordan sparked global outrage. A Saudi government source told AFP that Arab leaders would discuss a reconstruction plan counter to Trump's. Egyptian former diplomat Mohamed Hegazy outlined a three-phase reconstruction plan over three to five years, with the UN estimating the cost at over US$53 billion.

A group of migrants deported from the US to Panama last week were moved on the night of February 18 from a hotel in the capital to the Darien jungle region in the south of the country. Panamanian migration lawyer Susana Sabalza stated that the family she represents, along with other deported migrants, were transferred to Meteti, a town in the Darien. Local daily La Estrella de Panama reported that 170 of the 299 migrants initially housed in the hotel were relocated to the Darien. The Panamanian government did not respond to requests for comment. The migrants, including individuals from Afghanistan, China, and other nations, had been staying in a hotel in Panama City under local authority protection and financial support from the US through the International Organisation for Migration and the UN refugee agency. Human rights groups have criticized the process, fearing mistreatment and the safety of migrants if returned to violent or war-torn countries. Sabalza, who has been unable to see her clients, is seeking permission to visit them at their new location and said the family will seek asylum in Panama or any other country. Panama's security minister noted that over half of the recently deported migrants have accepted voluntary repatriation to their home countries.

On February 20, the first batch of 200 Chinese nationals suspected of telecom fraud were repatriated from Myanmar's Mawlamyine area via Thailand and arrived at Nanjing International Airport. This operation marks a significant achievement in the law enforcement cooperation between China, Myanmar, and Thailand, demonstrating their resolve to combat telecom fraud. Recently, the police forces of the three countries have jointly targeted telecom fraud in the Mawlamyine area, with Thailand implementing measures such as power cuts, and Myanmar conducting raids on fraud camps. Over 800 more suspects are expected to be repatriated. On February 15, 10 key suspects were successfully repatriated. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security is enhancing cooperation with Myanmar and Thailand to normalize the joint crackdown mechanism.

On February 19, 2025, Egyptologists discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II in the Western Valleys of the Theban Necropolis near Luxor, marking the first pharaoh's tomb found since the uncovering of Tutankhamun's over a century ago. The British-Egyptian team located it in an area previously thought to be far from the 18th dynasty pharaohs' burial chambers. The tomb's blue-painted ceiling with yellow stars indicated it belonged to a king. Despite being deliberately emptied, fragments of alabaster jars inscribed with Thutmose II and Hatshepsut's names were found. This discovery concludes over 12 years of work and is a significant moment for Egyptology.

U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday at the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Fla., that he is considering distributing 20% of the savings achieved by the Department of Government Efficiency advisory group to American citizens, with another 20% going towards paying down debt. This follows a post by Elon Musk on X, proposing to send tax refund checks to U.S. households funded by DOGE's cost-cutting efforts. James Fishback, CEO of Azoria investment firm, suggested that if DOGE meets its goal of cutting $2 trillion from the federal budget, 20% of that, or $400 billion, should be distributed to taxpayers, amounting to about $5,000 per household. While DOGE claims to have saved $55 billion, recent reports indicate the actual figure may be significantly lower. Despite facing legal challenges, a federal judge on Tuesday denied a request to halt DOGE's access to federal agencies' computer systems or its directives on government worker firings during ongoing litigation.

Last Saturday, the Greek-operated crude oil tanker Seajewel suffered an explosion while anchored off the port of Savona-Vado on Italy's north-western coast, causing a 70 x 120 centimeter breach below the waterline. Genoa's chief prosecutor, Nicola Piacente, said on Thursday that a terrorism investigation has been launched. In the past month, three oil tankers have been damaged by blasts in separate incidents in the Mediterranean, with the causes unknown. All three vessels had recently called at Russian ports. The anti-terrorism section of Genoa's Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating suspected 'shipwreck aggravated by terrorist intent.'

A British tourist died while trekking in the Himalayas in northern India. The two British men were hiking in difficult terrain near Thathri village in Dharamshala when one was critically injured. Rescuers stretchered him down the mountain, but he was declared dead nearly 24 hours later upon reaching the hospital. The Foreign Office is supporting the family and liaising with local authorities. The pair were on the 7km Triund trek and one fell during their descent, prompting his friend to seek help. Local rescuers, the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force, received the call at 18:00 on Sunday and located the victims at 22:30 after a four-hour search. The challenging terrain slowed progress, and the man was finally taken to hospital at 17:08 on Monday but was declared dead on arrival. His friend was unharmed. A temporary ban on high-altitude trekking was in place, but the tourists were unaware of it.

A commission led by Niger's military junta has recommended a minimum five-year transition to democratic rule. Abdoulaye Seydou, one of the commission's vice presidents, stated that the transition period is set at 60 months, subject to change based on the security situation and other factors. Commission President Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey confirmed the timeline and announced the dissolution of existing political parties, with a new charter allowing for two to five political parties. Since seizing power in 2023, the Niger junta has expelled French and other European forces and turned to Russia for support in combating militant groups.

According to two FDA scientists with direct knowledge, some FDA scientists have been instructed to stop using words like 'woman,' 'disabled,' and 'elderly' in external communications. The list of prohibited words, which includes over two dozen terms, has been circulating in official work chats since last week, causing confusion within the agency. The White House spokesman stated that the FDA may have misinterpreted President Donald Trump's executive order. Similarly, the CDC removed certain health information and research papers due to similar directives. An FDA spokesman denied the existence of an official list of banned words, but the scientists claimed that these restrictions would hinder the review process for medical devices.

On February 9, 2025, Eurosceptic politician Nigel Farage announced at a regional conference in Trowbridge, southern Britain, that he has relinquished formal control of his right-wing Reform UK party. Since 2018, Farage had been the majority shareholder, but he and deputy leader Richard Tice gave up over 90% of their shareholding in Reform UK Party Limited, according to filings with Companies House. The party will now be controlled by a renamed entity, REFORM 2025 LTD, and managed by its more than 200,000 members. Party Chairman Zia Yusuf stated that Reform UK is now a non-profit organization with no shareholders. Earlier this month, Reform overtook the governing Labour Party to become the most popular political party in a major opinion poll for the first time. The party, led by Farage, advocates for tougher immigration policies, opposes Britain's climate targets, and seeks lower taxes. Despite having only five members of parliament, it came second in around 100 seats in the last election, benefiting from a growing anti-establishment sentiment across Europe.

Forever 21 is in discussions with liquidators about its next steps, indicating its struggle to find a buyer and potential for a second bankruptcy filing. The company has been seeking a buyer for its U.S. leases and assets to avoid extinction. Forever 21's U.S. operations are primarily struggling, but its intellectual property, such as the brand name, is not for sale. The challenges in finding a buyer stem from intense competition from Chinese e-tailers Shein and Temu, higher tariffs, and a loss of brand appeal. The company has long faced profitability issues and difficulties in managing inventory and controlling costs. It is unclear if Forever 21 has hired a liquidator yet, but there is still a possibility of finding a buyer. Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019 and was later acquired by a consortium including Authentic Brands Group. Despite restructuring under Chapter 11, the company has failed to adapt to new competitive threats.

Ibrahim Afyon, Chairman of the Central Union of Egg Producers in Turkey, stated on the 19th that Turkey has begun exporting approximately 15,000 tons of eggs to the US this month to alleviate the 'egg shortage' caused by the avian flu outbreak. About 700 containers of eggs have been shipped, and the exports will continue until July. This transaction is expected to generate around $26 million for Turkey. Chad Gregory, CEO of the United Egg Producers, supports the temporary import of egg products. The current avian flu outbreak in the US, which began in 2022, has led to the culling of about 162 million birds, causing egg prices to soar and supply to tighten.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on the 19th that over 150 false killer whales stranded on a beach in the northwest of Tasmania, including both adults and calves. They had been stranded for 24 to 48 hours when discovered. Due to the remote location and harsh sea conditions, rescue efforts were challenging. After assessment, the Tasmanian Government decided to euthanize 90 whales that were still alive but in severe pain. Marine biologist Chris, responsible for the rescue, stated that the situation was not optimistic and euthanasia might be the best option. The cause of the mass stranding remains unclear, but it is speculated to be related to their social behavior.

New York City began imposing a congestion fee on vehicles in Manhattan's busiest areas on January 5, aimed at reducing traffic and funding public transit improvements. Less than two months later, the Trump Administration halted the fee, citing exceeding approval authority. Transportation Secretary Duffy criticized the policy for harming working-class and small businesses. Trump declared 'Congestion pricing is dead' on social media, while New York Governor Hochul vowed legal action. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which has filed a lawsuit, claims the fee significantly improved traffic and was expected to generate $500 million in the first year.