News from March 6, 2025 at 2 AM

US President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress, stating that the US received strong signals from Russia on a peaceful settlement in Ukraine and a letter from Vladimir Zelensky expressing readiness to work under Trump's leadership for lasting peace and sign a rare-earths deal. Trump announced plans to develop a new missile defense shield and impose new reciprocal tariffs on imports from April 2. He also declared intentions to reclaim the Panama Canal, welcomed Greenland's potential joining the US, and criticized previous administrations for wasteful spending. Domestically, Trump highlighted steps to restore a fair justice system, proposed significant tax cuts, and addressed efforts to tackle illegal immigration.

On March 4, 2025, Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Bavarian state premier and leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU) Markus Soeder, and Social Democratic Party (SPD) co-leaders Saskia Esken and Lars Klingbeil gave a statement in Berlin, announcing plans to create a 500 billion euro infrastructure fund and overhaul borrowing rules. The move aims to revitalize Europe's largest economy and has triggered strong market reactions. Merz emphasized the need for Europe to strengthen its defenses following Donald Trump's return to the White House. Economists have long urged Germany to reform its constitutionally enshrined borrowing limits to free up investment. German stock markets and the euro exchange rate surged, with construction and defense companies' shares soaring. Merz stated that a motion would be submitted to amend the constitution, exempting defense expenditure above 1% of GDP from the debt brake. Polls show 49% of Germans support loosening the debt brake.

Last week, a 32-year-old man, Jaythan Gilder, in Florida swallowed stolen earrings worth over $500,000 moments before being arrested by police. Orlando police accuse Gilder of posing as a 'professional athlete' to deceive Tiffany & Co. employees, who then showed him high-value jewelry, which he allegedly stole. When caught, officers observed Gilder swallowing objects believed to be the earrings. He is suspected of stealing two pairs of earrings valued at $769,500 and a diamond ring. An x-ray released by police showed a foreign object in his abdomen, but they did not confirm if the jewelry was retrieved. Gilder previously robbed a Tiffany & Co. store in Texas in 2022 and faces 48 arrest warrants in Colorado. He has been charged with robbery with a mask and first-degree grand theft.

On March 4 in Belgrade, Serbia, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik condemned the opposition's use of stun grenades and smoke bombs to disrupt a Serbian parliament meeting, labeling it an attempt to forcibly overthrow the government and expressing support for Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Dodik wrote on his X page that this was a destructive force aiming to bring Serbia to its knees. Radio Television of Serbia, citing Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic, reported that three MPs were injured in a clash between opposition and ruling majority lawmakers, with one in serious condition. Earlier on Tuesday, opposition MPs tried to disrupt a parliamentary session by setting off pyrotechnic devices in the session hall, sparking the altercation.

Sources reveal that Russia has agreed to assist the United States in communicating with Iran on issues including nuclear weapons and Iran's support for anti-US militant groups. US President Trump expressed this intention during a February phone call with Russian President Putin, followed by discussions between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia. The White House has not commented, and neither Russia nor Iran has publicly confirmed or denied the matter. Kremlin spokesman Peskov stated that Russia supports resolving issues through negotiations and is ready to make efforts towards this goal. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bakhai noted that many countries are willing to show goodwill and help resolve such important issues. On February 18, senior US and Russian officials discussed Iran-related issues in Riyadh, with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi later sharing details of the meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. Both Russia and Iran are under US sanctions but have deepened cooperation. Many Iranian hardliners oppose contact with Washington, and Supreme Leader Khamenei has said Trump is not trustworthy.

Israel's National Security Agency (Shin Bet) released a report on March 4, admitting it overlooked signs of Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023, and misjudged the threat. The report revealed that Shin Bet received warnings the night before the attack but failed to act. The agency acknowledged serious internal mistakes but attributed the main cause to external factors. Shin Bet Director Bar stated he would resign but only after all detainees are released. Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the findings, while Opposition Leader Yair Lapid accused him of shifting blame. Previously, the Israeli military admitted underestimating Hamas' capabilities.

On the evening of March 5, a Russian missile struck a hotel in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, killing two people and injuring seven. Ukraine's Emergency Services reported on Telegram that 14 people had been rescued from the rubble. Rescue crews were searching through the debris, with a section of the building severely damaged. Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul stated that the missile made a direct hit, causing a fire, and warned that more people could be trapped and another Russian strike was possible in the area. Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has frequently been targeted by Russian attacks in the ongoing three-year conflict between Kyiv and Moscow.

A federal appeals court on Wednesday permitted the Trump administration to temporarily remove top federal ethics watchdog Hampton Dellinger from his position, despite a previous district court ruling that Trump's firing was unlawful. Appointed by former President Joe Biden for a five-year term, Dellinger oversees protections for federal employees who report illegal or unethical conduct. Trump fired Dellinger via email last month, sparking a lawsuit. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson had ordered a halt to Dellinger's removal, but the appeals court suspended this ruling. The case is likely to be ultimately decided by the Supreme Court.

The Dutch government will allocate 3.5 billion euros ($3.8 billion) to continue its support for Ukraine in 2026, Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced on Wednesday. Schoof stated that the funds would ensure Dutch support remains unchanged next year and could also be utilized in 2025 if needed. The previous Dutch government had already set aside a similar amount for support through 2025. The prime minister also revealed that 700 million euros from these funds would be invested in drones for Ukraine.

Abkhaz President-elect Badra Gunba, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, expressed gratitude for Putin's support to the people of Abkhazia, which has enabled the country to strengthen its relations with Russia. Gunba emphasized that Russia's consistent support in military-political, social, and economic aspects has facilitated Abkhazia's development. During his election campaign, Gunba prioritized enhancing cooperation with Russia, its main strategic ally. He noted the historical, fraternal, and economic ties between the two nations, which they intend to further develop, and jointly celebrate their shared victory in the Great Patriotic War.