News from February 21, 2025 at 2 PM

US President Donald Trump continues to pressure Ukraine to end its war with Russia, calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a 'dictator'. Zelensky counters that Trump is living in a 'false information space' created by Russia. EU countries rally behind Zelensky. A recent poll shows 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelensky. US Vice President Vence warns Zelensky against criticizing Trump. Multiple leaders emphasize support for Ukraine, with Macron and allies discussing the issue, stressing the need to protect Ukraine's rights and European security.

On February 20, Israeli specialists confirmed that one of the four bodies handed over by Hamas was an unidentified woman, not the agreed-upon Shiri Bibas. On February 21, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would make Hamas pay for failing to release Shiri Bibas's body as agreed. He accused Hamas of cynically substituting the body of a Gaza woman for Shiri, who was kidnapped along with her two sons and husband during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Hamas has not publicly commented on the Israeli accusation, which threatens to derail the fragile ceasefire agreement reached last month with US backing and the assistance of Qatari and Egyptian mediators. It is unclear whether this will delay the release of six hostages scheduled for February 22 or interrupt the upcoming second phase of ceasefire negotiations.

On February 20, multiple bus explosions occurred in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, Israel. Israeli media reported that three empty buses exploded in parking lots, while bombs on two other buses were discovered and disabled, with no casualties reported. The Israeli Transport minister instructed the Public Transit Authority to halt and inspect all buses, trains, and light-rail trains. Police are searching for suspects, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to conduct a security situation assessment.

On February 21, 2025, a Chinese naval exercise in the Tasman Sea led to flight diversions between Australia and New Zealand. The presence of three Chinese naval ships has put both countries on alert, with Australia describing it as 'unusual'. Qantas and other airlines have temporarily adjusted their routes. China stated that the exercise, conducted in international waters, complies with international law. The ships are currently 340 nautical miles east of the New South Wales coast. Australia and New Zealand have been closely monitoring the Chinese fleet since last week and have dispatched their own ships to observe. New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins noted that China did not inform them in advance. Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles said the event is unusual but not unprecedented. China's foreign ministry confirmed the naval training, emphasizing it was conducted safely and legally. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the Chinese fleet issued an alert about possible live-fire exercises but did not directly notify Australian officials.

On February 21, 2025, the European Commission in Helsinki, Finland, announced an action plan to enhance surveillance of undersea cables and establish an emergency repair fleet. Recent incidents of cable and pipeline damage have raised concerns, with EU Vice President Henna Virkkunen stating the aim is to prevent and respond to threats to critical infrastructure. Swedish police are investigating a suspected sabotage of an undersea telecoms cable in the Baltic Sea. NATO members have deployed ships and drones in the Baltic to protect infrastructure. The EU plans to use existing funds to support a data fusion surveillance mechanism and a drone program, and will set up a regional hub in the Baltic as a test for the new approach, proposing a reserve fleet for emergencies and enhancing cooperation with NATO.

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.

European countries are considering forming a nearly 30,000-strong 'security force' to protect Ukraine after a ceasefire with Russia, focusing on air power to deter Russia. Led by the UK and France, the force will be deployed outside the front lines in eastern Ukraine. The UK may station troops in key cities and infrastructure, and deploy Typhoon fighters for air patrol missions. The force is smaller than the 110,000 proposed by President Zelensky. Multiple militaries plan to use spy planes, satellites, and drones to monitor the Russia-Ukraine border. European nations emphasize the need for US support, hoping for American air cover. Macron and Sturgeon will visit the US to seek Trump's backing.

According to the Financial Times, the US is opposing the labeling of Russia as an aggressor in a G7 statement marking the third anniversary of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky's participation in the virtual G7 summit scheduled for February 24 has not yet been agreed upon. An official stated that the Americans insist on distinguishing between Russia and Ukraine but are still working towards an agreement. Additionally, Trump claimed Zelensky has a 4% approval rating and called for elections in Ukraine, to which Zelensky responded by suggesting Trump was influenced by Russian disinformation. On February 19, Trump reiterated his view, calling Zelensky a dictator and emphasizing his low approval rating.

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.

President Donald Trump's plan, announced on February 4, to take control of Gaza and resettle its Palestinians has sparked outrage among Palestinians and Arab states. Arab countries are scrambling to devise a diplomatic response, aiming to present a unified plan at an emergency Arab League meeting on March 4. Egypt has proposed up to $20 billion in funding over three years, but details and commitments remain unclear. Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan met in Riyadh to discuss countermeasures. Disagreements persist over Gaza's governance and Hamas's future role, with further discussions expected at the Cairo summit.

On Thursday, a knife attack in a shopping centre in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, resulted in the deaths of two people. Police stated that they detained the suspected attacker shortly after the incident. Czech Television reported that the suspect is a 16-year-old Czech citizen. In a post on X, the police said that despite arriving on the scene within minutes of the report, both victims sustained injuries so severe that they could not be saved. Authorities are currently investigating the motive for the attack, which occurred 110 km (68 miles) east of Prague.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will miss the G20 foreign ministers and finance ministers meetings in South Africa, raising concerns about a potential US withdrawal from the G20. Since Trump's return to the White House, the US has exited multiple multilateral agreements and organizations. An Indian official noted that US absence would enhance the importance of groups like BRICS. Former US Treasury official Sobel deemed the absence a significant mistake. Mnuchin's inability to attend due to Washington duties will be covered by a senior official. Trump may meet Putin this month to discuss the Ukraine war. Rubio canceled his G20 foreign ministers meeting attendance, citing South Africa's land policy as one reason. The US froze aid to Africa, causing financial strains for African governments. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in South Africa to discuss relations with the US and issues like the Ukraine conflict.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's trial for alleged coup plotting officially began on February 20, marking the first time a sitting president has appeared in court in South Korea. The Constitutional Court announced that the final debate will be held on February 25, with a ruling expected in March. During the brief 13-minute hearing, Yoon communicated his opinions through his lawyer. The defense requested three weeks to review the prosecution's evidence, with the next hearing set for March 24. The prosecution has prepared 70,000 pages of evidence and requested bi-weekly hearings. Later that day, Yoon attended the 10th debate of his impeachment trial but left before Prime Minister Han Duck-soo entered the courtroom. Key witness testimonies have been inconsistent, leading Yoon's team to demand the application of the Criminal Procedure Act. Supporters and opponents rallied near the court and in downtown Seoul, with police deploying significant forces to prevent clashes.

Sinn Féin has announced a boycott of the upcoming St Patrick's Day events at the White House in protest against US President Donald Trump's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The party's First Minister at Stormont, Michelle O'Neill, will not travel to Washington DC for the annual event. This follows the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) clarifying that it will not participate in the celebrations if invited. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald expressed shock at Trump's comments on Gaza, calling them a breach of international law. She urged Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin to reflect the Irish people's support for Palestine during the celebrations. Earlier this month, Trump suggested the US could 'take over' Gaza and resettle its population. O'Neill stated that Trump's comments cannot be ignored and vowed to continue engaging with US officials for peace and economic growth.

A German court has ruled that Birkenstocks are not classified as works of art and thus do not qualify for copyright protection. The company had argued that its footwear should be considered art to prevent rivals from selling copycat versions. The judge stated that the shoes are practical design items. Birkenstocks have gained immense popularity in recent years, especially after actress Margot Robbie wore them in the Barbie movie. The company listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2023 with a valuation of approximately $8.6 billion. The lawsuit involved three manufacturers and retailers, and the final ruling by the Federal Court of Justice did not support Birkenstock's claim of its footwear being art.

Lebanon's Hezbollah will hold a funeral for its former leader Hassan Nasrallah on Sunday, nearly five months after he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27. The mass funeral in Beirut's southern suburbs aims to demonstrate the group's political strength following last year's war. Nasrallah's death was a significant blow to Hezbollah, compounded by the subsequent killing of his successor, Hashem Safieddine, one week later. The funeral is seen as a launchpad for Hezbollah's next phase, with hundreds of thousands expected to attend. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and other leaders are set to attend. Nasrallah will be buried at a dedicated site nearby.

On February 20th local time, the U.S. Senate confirmed Kash Patel as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with a vote of 51 in favor and 49 against. Patel previously served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council during President Trump's first term. On November 30th of last year, Trump announced via social media his nomination of Patel for the FBI director position. Patel has previously proposed significant reforms to the FBI.

In response to a severe dengue outbreak, Adiison Hills Village in Manila, Philippines, has launched a cash-for-mosquitoes initiative, offering 1 Philippine peso for every 5 mosquitoes submitted. The campaign, which began this week, will last for at least a month and accepts both live and dead mosquitoes, including larvae. So far, 21 individuals have claimed the reward, capturing approximately 700 mosquitoes. The village is a hotspot for dengue, with 44 recent infections and some fatalities reported.