News from March 9, 2025 at 2 PM

US President Donald Trump stated he is considering imposing large-scale sanctions on Russia until a peace agreement is reached between Russia and Ukraine. Simultaneously, the US is studying the relaxation of energy sanctions on Russia to encourage a ceasefire. On March 7, Russian forces launched massive attacks on eastern Ukraine and energy facilities, prompting Trump to issue a stern warning on social media. National Economic Council Director Hassett said the president wants all parties to negotiate. Reuters reported that the US government is exploring options to ease sanctions on Russia's energy sector. Recently, Russian forces have intensified their attacks, with the city of Dobropillia in eastern Ukraine suffering an attack that killed at least 11 and injured 30. Ukrainian energy facilities have been frequently targeted, and President Zelensky called for an end to airstrikes. Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region have been surrounded by Russian troops, leaving only a narrow corridor for potential retreat.

Syrian leader Ahmed Sharaa has called for peace following days of clashes in which Syrian security forces are alleged to have killed hundreds of civilians from the Alawite religious minority. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that about 745 civilians were killed in 30 'massacres' targeting Alawites in coastal regions on Friday and Saturday. The BBC has not independently verified the death toll, believed to be the worst since the fall of the Assad regime. Speaking from a mosque in Damascus on Sunday, President Sharaa stated that current events are within expected challenges. Over the past four days, the total death toll has exceeded 1,000, including about 125 fighters linked to the new Islamist-led government and 148 pro-Assad fighters. The violence was sparked by an ambush on government forces, escalating into clashes between Assad loyalists and government troops. Hundreds of civilians have fled their homes in the coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus, former strongholds of deposed President Bashar al-Assad, who is also an Alawite. The UN's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed deep alarm over civilian casualties and called on all parties to refrain from actions that could destabilize the country.

On March 8, 2025, Australia's eastern coast was hit by Tropical Storm Alfred, which was downgraded to a tropical low but expected to make landfall near Brisbane. A body was found, and 36 military personnel were injured in a convoy crash in Lismore. Over 300,000 properties lost power, with trees and power lines down and roads flooded. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns warned the public to remain vigilant, anticipating continued flooding for several days. Schools closed, public transport suspended, airports shut down, and flights are not expected to resume until Sunday.

At approximately 5:48 PM local time on March 8, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol was released from the Seoul Detention Center and returned to the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul. He had been detained for 52 days since his arrest on January 15. Large crowds of citizens gathered in downtown Seoul, calling for Yoon's impeachment. On March 7, the Seoul Central District Court annulled Yoon's detention, sparking public dissatisfaction. The court cited the prosecutors' late filing of charges as procedurally illegal and highlighted legal disputes over the investigative authority of the public prosecution office. The decision to release Yoon has caused significant controversy in South Korean society. The Constitutional Court has concluded the trial phase of Yoon's impeachment case and is now in internal deliberation. Analysts expect a final decision next week. Regardless of the outcome, the impact of the emergency measures and impeachment on South Korean society is expected to persist in the short term.

On March 8, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis is gradually improving in his treatment for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized for over three weeks due to a severe respiratory infection, has shown a stable clinical condition and a good response to treatment, with no fever and stable blood tests. Despite a slight improvement, doctors remain cautious. Francis uses a nasal oxygen tube during the day and non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night. Prone to lung infections due to past pleurisy and lung surgery, this hospital stay marks his longest absence since becoming pope nearly 12 years ago. On March 8, he appointed four bishops from the hospital and sent a message to an anti-abortion group in Italy.

Toronto police report that 12 people were injured in a shooting at a pub near Scarborough city center on Friday evening. Three suspects entered the pub and opened fire indiscriminately, remaining at large. Six victims suffered gunshot wounds, while others were injured by flying glass, all non-life-threatening. Authorities are deploying all resources to apprehend the suspects. Mayor Olivia Chow expressed deep concern and offered condolences to the victims and their families. Last year, the area saw eight injuries and two deaths in shooting incidents.

On March 8, German election winner Friedrich Merz's conservatives and the Social Democrats (SPD) completed preliminary coalition talks in Berlin. The parties agreed on an 11-page policy paper covering areas such as migration, welfare, energy, economy, and labor. The document proposes measures like expanding border controls, tightening welfare recipient conditions, reducing power prices, and fostering economic recovery. Additionally, they plan to establish a €500 billion infrastructure fund and amend state borrowing rules, but these require parliamentary approval and face opposition from other parties.

On March 8, 2025, fast-moving brush fires swept through a large area of New York's Long Island, fueled by high winds, causing thick smoke and prompting the evacuation of a military base and the closure of a major highway. Officials reported that three of the four fires were fully contained, while the one in Westhampton was 50% contained. Two commercial buildings were partially burned, but homes were not threatened. A firefighter was hospitalized for facial burns. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, stating that state agencies were responding to the fires. Social media videos showed flames and black smoke. National Guard helicopters dropped water on the flames, and the Town of Southampton issued a warning against recreational fires.

US President Donald Trump's Turnberry golf resort in Scotland was vandalized on March 8 with pro-Palestinian graffiti, including slogans like 'Free Gaza' and 'Free Palestine', along with insults directed at Trump. The protest group Palestine Action claimed responsibility, stating on social media that Trump should know his property is within reach. This follows Trump's controversial announcement in February that the US would take over Gaza, angering the Arab world. Police Scotland is investigating the incident. Separately, a man waving a Palestinian flag climbed the Big Ben tower at London's Palace of Westminster on the same day.

Early on March 8, a man carrying a Palestinian flag climbed London's Big Ben clock tower and remained perched barefoot on a ledge of the historic structure. Police were alerted shortly after 7am GMT and the man spent the entire day on the ledge. Crowds behind a police cordon chanted “Free Palestine” and “You are a hero” in support. Negotiators used a fire truck lift to speak with him, but he insisted he would come down on his own terms. The surrounding area, including Westminster Bridge, was closed off, and Parliament tours were cancelled. AFP journalists reported the man appeared to be bleeding from his foot. The London Metropolitan Police, assisted by the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service, are working to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

Authorities revealed on Friday that actor Gene Hackman died of heart disease, showing severe signs of Alzheimer's disease a week after his wife Betsy Arakawa died of hantavirus in their home. Initial investigations on February 26 ruled out foul play, with negative tests for carbon monoxide poisoning. Chief Medical Investigator Dr. Heather Jarrell stated Hackman, 95, likely unaware of his wife's death, was found in the home's entryway, his death attributed to heart disease with Alzheimer's as a contributing factor. Arakawa, 65, was found with an open prescription bottle and pills, her death linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare disease spread by rodent droppings, typically reported in spring and summer. The exact time of her death remains unknown. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza announced this alongside state fire and health officials. Investigators earlier retrieved personal items from the couple's home, including a monthly planner and two cellphones.

On March 9, SpaceX founder Elon Musk stated in New York that the Starlink satellite system is the backbone of the Ukrainian army. He claimed that if Ukraine were disconnected from Starlink, its entire front line would collapse. Musk also expressed his disgust over years of stalemate and slaughter, believing that Ukraine is inevitably destined to lose. He emphasized that anyone who truly cares, thinks, and understands wants the meat grinder of war to stop.

The U.S. Secret Service shot an adult male in Washington, D.C. early Sunday morning following an 'armed confrontation' with law enforcement. On Saturday, local police had reported a 'suicidal individual' possibly traveling to D.C. from Indiana. Secret Service personnel later located the individual's vehicle and spotted a person matching the description. As officers approached, the individual brandished a firearm, leading to an armed confrontation during which shots were fired by Secret Service personnel. The suspect was transported to a local hospital with an unknown condition. The Secret Service stated that no personnel were injured and the incident is under investigation.

According to a statement posted on the Chinese defense ministry’s WeChat page, naval forces from China, Russia, and Iran will conduct the Security Belt-2025 joint exercise in the waters near Chabahar, Iran, either at the beginning or in the middle of March. The maneuvers will take place not far from the port of Chabahar in Iran, aiming to enhance military cooperation and regional security among the three nations.

Officials from Russia's ruling United Russia party in the Murmansk region sparked controversy by presenting mothers of soldiers killed in Ukraine with gifts of meat grinders and flowers for International Women's Day. Social media photos showed officials smiling as they handed over the gifts, accompanied by a thank-you message. Critics called the gesture 'shameful' and 'inappropriate,' as the meat grinder symbolizes Russia's brutal tactics. The local party branch defended the move, claiming it was requested by one mother. Independent media report tens of thousands of Russian casualties in Ukraine, but exact figures remain unknown.

Over 80 Afghan women who fled the Taliban to pursue higher education in Oman now face imminent deportation back to Afghanistan following the Trump administration's sweeping freeze on foreign aid programs. Their scholarships, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), were abruptly terminated after a funding freeze ordered by President Donald Trump upon his return to office in January. The students, who were told they would be sent back within two weeks, expressed heartbreak and shock. Since regaining power nearly four years ago, the Taliban has imposed draconian restrictions on women, including banning them from universities. US aid funding had enabled thousands of Afghan women to study abroad or continue education online, but many of these programs are now suspended. The students in Oman have appealed to the international community for urgent intervention, protection, financial assistance, and resettlement opportunities.