News from February 22, 2025 at 2 PM

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.

According to Al Jazeera, Hamas has handed over the body of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The transfer was handled by Hamas' armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, though Hamas has not yet commented on these reports. Simultaneously, Hamas posted on its Telegram channel denying responsibility for the death of the Bibas children, blaming the Israeli government. IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari refuted Hamas' claims that the Bibas babies were killed in an airstrike, stating they were murdered by terrorists. Hagari also confirmed that Hamas handed over an unidentified woman's body on February 20 instead of Shiri Bibas. The Israeli army confirmed the identities of three Bibas family members and Oded Lifshitz, but the fourth body remained unidentified. In mid-January, Israel and Hamas reached a three-stage agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US to release hostages in Gaza and declare a ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump announced the dismissal of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Q. Brown and the replacement of five other senior US military officials, nominating retired Lieutenant General Dan Caine to take over. Brown was on an inspection at the US-Mexico border when he was sacked. Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Brown. Additionally, Trump replaced the Navy commander, Air Force vice chief, and other top officials, and plans to cut 5% to 8% of the Defense Department's civilian workforce to enhance efficiency and combat readiness.

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for treatment of double pneumonia. The Vatican announced that he would not lead his usual Sunday prayer with pilgrims for a second consecutive week. While his medical team stated he is not currently in a life-threatening condition, his health remains complex. The Vatican reported on Saturday that the pope had rested well overnight but did not mention his activities. The Sunday Angelus prayer text will be published instead of read aloud, marking the first time he has missed two consecutive prayers due to health. Doctors warn of the risk of the infection spreading to his bloodstream, potentially leading to sepsis. Pope Francis, who has faced several health issues in the past two years, is particularly susceptible to lung infections. Despite speculation about his possible resignation, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin dismissed such talk as unnecessary.

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 the evening of February 21, a stabbing incident occurred at the Holocaust memorial in Berlin, Germany, leaving a man seriously injured. Berlin police subsequently arrested a suspect, but provided no details on his identity or motive. Police spokesperson Florian Nath stated that the victim was severely injured and taken to the hospital for emergency treatment, but his life was not in danger. An eyewitness told local broadcaster RBB24 that the two men approached each other before the stabbing occurred. The memorial, a sacred site in Berlin, commemorates the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis during World War II. The incident took place on the eve of a national election, which has been marred by a series of high-profile attacks.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the RIA state news agency that a second meeting between Russian and US representatives is planned within the next two weeks. The first talks, held in a third country on February 18, aimed to end the nearly three-year war in Ukraine and restore relations. Ryabkov stated there is a 'principled agreement' on both sides to hold consultations to address all 'so-called irritants.' He added that a dialogue on strategic stability and arms control is possible only with visible improvements in US policy. The Kremlin noted that last week's initial meeting focused on Russian-US bilateral ties, a crucial step towards resolving the Ukraine conflict. This week, the Kremlin indicated a possible face-to-face meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump this month.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday declined to allow Donald Trump to immediately fire the head of a federal watchdog agency, following a temporary injunction by a judge that blocked the Republican president's move. The court postponed action on the Justice Department's request to lift the judge's February 12 order, which temporarily barred Trump from removing Hampton Dellinger as head of the Office of Special Counsel. This case marks the first legal battle involving Trump's actions since he returned to the presidency in January. The court postponed its decision until February 26, when a temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson is set to expire. Dellinger sued after receiving a February 7 email firing him, arguing Trump exceeded his presidential powers, violating federal law. Appointed by former President Joe Biden, Dellinger's term was set to end in 2029. The Office of Special Counsel protects government whistleblowers, investigates retaliation complaints, and enforces the Hatch Act limiting federal employees' political activities.

On the evening of the 20th local time, a collision occurred between a bus and a truck on a highway in the Ribeirão Preto region of São Paulo state, Brazil, resulting in 12 deaths and 11 injuries. At the time of the incident, the bus was carrying 29 passengers, most of whom were university students. Following the accident, local fire and police departments promptly initiated rescue operations. The bus was severely damaged, and the cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

On Thursday, billionaire Elon Musk received a chainsaw from Argentine President Javier Milei at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), with the phrase 'Long live liberty' inscribed on it. Musk waved the chainsaw, shouting it was for bureaucracy. Meanwhile, residents in Roswell, Georgia, expressed anger over Musk-inspired government cuts and layoffs. Polls show 54% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of Musk. Congressional Republicans are beginning to oppose these drastic measures, and some layoffs have been reversed.

On February 21, the roof of a food court at the Real Plaza shopping complex in Trujillo, northern Peru, collapsed, resulting in at least three deaths and around 20 injuries. The deceased include two men and a woman, and the injured have been taken to nearby hospitals. Rescue operations are ongoing, with over a hundred firefighters and police officers searching through the debris. Local government health official Mr Anibal Morillo stated that a child is trapped under the metal structures. According to the Regional Emergency Operations Center, the collapse occurred at 8:41 pm but was reported only about half an hour later.

French weekly magazine Le Point earlier reported that US President Donald Trump might visit Moscow on May 9 to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, on February 22, Trump told journalists that he would not go to Moscow to attend a parade marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Previously, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that during their phone conversation, the two leaders agreed to stay in touch and arrange an in-person meeting. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the world would be informed once the meeting between the two presidents is confirmed.

US trans actress Hunter Schafer, known for the HBO show Euphoria, revealed that her passport gender marker was changed to male. In a TikTok video on February 20 and a follow-up video on February 21, Schafer blamed the Trump administration's policies for the modification, despite having identity documents marked as female for nearly a decade. She explained that despite filling out her passport application as female, the marker was changed to male. President Trump declared early in his tenure that the government would recognize only two genders and issued several orders targeting transgender individuals. The US State Department, under an executive order, stated it would stop issuing identification documents with an 'X' marker for non-binary people. Schafer believes that passport agencies are now required to cross-reference birth certificates, as her birth certificate gender has not been changed to female. She expressed shock at seeing the 'M' on her passport and posted about it to highlight the reality of the situation, defiantly stating that a letter in a passport cannot change her identity as a trans person.

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.