News from March 10, 2025 at 2 AM

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.

On the evening of March 9th local time, Canada's Liberal Party will announce the results of its new leader election, with the new leader set to replace Trudeau as the new Prime Minister. Currently, Mark Carney leads in party support. Born in 1965, Carney studied at Harvard and Oxford Universities and served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England. He advocates for a unified economy to address the US-Canada trade war. If elected, Carney would be the first Prime Minister without prior elected office. The US-Canada trade war has become a domestic focal point, influencing election timing and outcomes. Carney has indicated he may call for an election immediately upon winning the leadership.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.