News from March 22, 2025 at 2 AM

US President Trump stated on Thursday that the United States is set to sign a mineral and natural resources agreement with Ukraine. The original agreement scheduled for last month was scrapped after a heated debate between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky at the White House. Details of the new agreement remain undisclosed but are reported to be more detailed and comprehensive. Trump also mentioned his talks with Russian and Ukrainian leaders, expressing hope to end the conflict. Currently, Russia and Ukraine have only agreed to cease attacks on each other's energy infrastructure for 30 days. Zelensky called for US investment in Ukrainian nuclear power plants and urged Europe to increase weapons supply to Ukraine. The EU pledged support but did not immediately commit funds.

At least 55 Palestinians were killed in overnight Israeli air strikes in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run civil defense agency. This week, Israel resumed its bombing campaign and ground operations in the territory, resulting in over 430 deaths in two days, as per the Hamas-run health ministry. Hamas claims that Israel's announced ground operation on Wednesday is a 'new and dangerous' breach of the ceasefire agreement that began in January. Israel resumed attacks on Tuesday after talks to extend the deal failed. Israel has warned that attacks will intensify in Gaza until Hamas releases the remaining hostages, stating that Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday it had initiated 'targeted ground activities' to create a 'partial buffer between the north and south' in Gaza, calling it a 'limited ground operation'. IDF spokesperson Col Avichay Adraee stated that forces were deployed up to the center of the Netzarim corridor dividing northern and southern Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that combat had resumed 'in full force' and any ceasefire negotiations would now occur 'under fire'. Israel and Hamas have failed to agree on extending the ceasefire beyond the first phase, which expired on March 1. Hamas did not agree to renegotiate the ceasefire on Israel's terms, though it offered to release a living American hostage and four hostages' bodies as mediators tried to sustain the ceasefire. Israel blocked all food, fuel, and medical supplies entering Gaza at the beginning of March to pressure Hamas, accusing Hamas of commandeering the provisions without providing evidence. The conflict was triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and took 251 hostages. Twenty-five Israeli and five Thai hostages were released during the first phase of the ceasefire. Israel's response to the October attack was a massive military offensive that had killed more than 48,500 Palestinians, mainly civilians, before the resumption of its campaign, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.

Heathrow Airport in London, UK, announced a temporary closure early on the 21st due to a severe power outage caused by a fire at a power substation. The fire has been brought under control, according to the fire department. Over 1,300 flights are expected to be affected that day. Reporters on the scene noted that power had not been restored in Terminal 5, with nearby roads blocked and no large-scale passenger congestion. The airport advised passengers not to travel there. The power supplier, Scottish and Southern Energy, stated that the fire occurred at the North Hyde substation in the Hounslow area, about 2.4 kilometers from the airport. The London Fire Brigade responded with 10 fire engines and around 70 firefighters on the night of the 20th, evacuating approximately 150 people. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

The New York Times reported that President Trump's ally, Elon Musk, will be briefed on March 21 by the Pentagon on military plans regarding potential conflicts with China, a claim denied by Trump. Musk's expanded role as a presidential advisor raises concerns about conflicts of interest, given his business interests in China and dealings with the Pentagon. Musk needs to understand military plans to avoid proposing budget cuts for key weapon systems. Additionally, Musk's political role has made Tesla a target for retaliation, with its cars and charging stations being vandalized and set on fire. US Attorney General announced the indictment of three individuals for arson at Tesla facilities, while Trump stated that those damaging Tesla cars could face up to 20 years in prison.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have recaptured the presidential palace in Khartoum in a significant advance during their recent offensive, marking a major progress in the two-year civil war. The palace, which includes the historic Republican Palace, symbolizes power and sovereignty. The army has taken control of much of Khartoum's city center, pushing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) out of key sites. Although RSF fighters remain in parts of the city and airport, they have effectively lost control of the capital. Bloody fighting is expected to continue as the army tries to corner remaining RSF units. The UN describes Sudan's humanitarian crisis as the world's worst, with 12 million people displaced and parts of the country facing famine.

On March 21, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned ongoing protests sparked by the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who was detained on charges of corruption and aiding terrorist groups just days before he was expected to be named as a presidential candidate. Thousands protested in Istanbul and other cities on Friday, defying bans and police crackdowns. CHP leader Ozgur Ozel called for nationwide peaceful demonstrations. Authorities imposed a four-day ban on gatherings, extended to Ankara and Izmir. Over 100 people, including politicians, journalists, and businessmen, have been arrested. Imamoglu, re-elected mayor last year, is seen as a strong rival to Erdogan.

On March 21st local time, the presidential inauguration ceremony was held at the State House in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Elected President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah took the oath of office, officially beginning her five-year term. Nandi-Ndaitwah secured over 50% of the vote in the December 2024 presidential election, becoming Namibia's first female president. Previously, she had long served in key positions within the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO),积累了丰富的政治经验.

The UK is hosting a closed meeting at its Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood to discuss plans for a Western-led peacekeeping force for Ukraine by the 'coalition of the willing', led by Britain and France. Over 20 countries are involved. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to attend after visiting Barrow, where he will lay the keel of HMS Dreadnought, a next-generation nuclear-armed submarine. Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard stated the coalition aims to be a 'credible force' for Ukraine's lasting peace. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin opposes any NATO troops in Ukraine, and the US is reluctant to provide necessary air support.

The Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano on Flores Island, Indonesia, erupted on the evening of the 20th local time, with an ash column reaching 8 kilometers high, lasting for 11 minutes and 9 seconds, prompting the highest alert level. Ngurah Rai International Airport spokesperson Andadina Diah stated that as of 9:45 AM on the 21st, seven international flights were canceled, including six Jetstar flights to Australia and one AirAsia flight to Kuala Lumpur. Nurah Rai International Airport reported delays for several flights to Thailand, Singapore, and Australia. The eruption did not damage nearby villages, but authorities warned that heavy rain could trigger volcanic mudflows. Last November, eruptions from the same volcano resulted in nine deaths, thousands of evacuations, and numerous flight cancellations.

Recently, several European countries have been discussing a plan to replace the U.S. role in NATO over 5 to 10 years, aiming to increase defense spending and military capabilities to persuade the U.S. to transfer NATO responsibilities. The Financial Times reported that the UK, France, Germany, and some Nordic countries are involved in these informal but organized discussions, aiming to present the plan before the NATO summit in June. President Trump has threatened to withdraw from NATO if allies do not meet defense spending targets. Meanwhile, the U.S. is considering放弃 the position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe in NATO. The EU has released a defense white paper and readiness plan, intending to invest over 800 billion euros to enhance defense capabilities, excluding U.S. and UK arms manufacturers.

British-American influencers Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan announced on Friday their return to Romania from the US, where they face charges including human trafficking. Andrew Tate, posting to his 10.8 million followers, claimed spending $185,000 on a private jet to sign a document in Romania, asserting his innocence. The brothers, who deny all allegations, are expected to register at a police station on Monday. They arrived in the US in late February after a two-year travel ban was lifted by Romanian prosecutors. Andrew Tate, 38, and Tristan Tate, 36, are accused of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Romania, with Andrew also facing rape charges. In the UK, they are under investigation for rape and human trafficking, and in the US, they face a civil case alleging coercion into sex work and defamation. Romanian prosecutors emphasize the case is ongoing, with the brothers under judicial control. Their departure raised concerns about US political pressure, which President Trump denied knowledge of. Andrew Tate was placed under house arrest in Romania in August 2024 amid a new criminal investigation. They also face tax evasion charges in the UK, with a court ruling to seize over $2.6 million from them.

U.S. citizen George Glezmann, detained in Afghanistan for over two years before being released by the Taliban, arrived in the United States on March 20, 2025, where he reunited with his wife. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Ryan Corbett, another former Taliban prisoner who shared a cell with Glezmann, greeted him at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington. Glezmann left Afghanistan on a Qatari aircraft on Thursday evening, bound for Qatar, before returning to the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Glezmann's release in a statement. The Taliban termed the release a 'goodwill gesture,' indicating its willingness to engage with the U.S. based on mutual respect and interests. Bruce expressed deep concern for other Americans still believed to be in custody in Afghanistan.

On March 20th local time, at the 144th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) held in Greece, Kirsty Coventry was elected as the IOC President in the first round of voting with a decisive majority, becoming the first female and African president. Following her victory, Coventry held her first press conference, where Yang Mingjiao, a reporter from the China Media Group, was the only Chinese journalist to ask a question. Yang inquired about Coventry's views on the relationship between the IOC and China and her future plans. Coventry stated that the relationship between the IOC and China has always been very close and will continue to be so, and she will work to foster good relations with all member entities.

Iceland's Minister for Children, Ásthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir, resigned after admitting to having a child with a teenager 36 years ago. She revealed that she was 22 and the boy was 15 when they met at a religious group. She gave birth to his child when he was 16 and she was 23. Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir called it a serious matter but refrained from further comment. According to Visir newspaper, Frostadóttir learned of the story on Thursday night and immediately summoned Thórsdóttir, who then resigned. In an interview with RUV, Thórsdóttir disclosed that the father, Eirík Ásmundsson, was present at their child's birth and spent the first year with him. Despite the relationship being secret, Ásmundsson had requested access to his son, which was denied, and he paid child support for 18 years. Thórsdóttir expressed regret that the matter was brought to the prime minister's attention and stated she has no plans to leave parliament despite resigning from her ministerial post.

Prince William recently visited Estonia to support the UK military's deployment in the region. He toured military training at Tapa Camp, rode in a Challenger 2 tank and an armored fighting vehicle, and met with 900 British troops. The visit demonstrated the UK's commitment to NATO's eastern flank defense. Prince William also visited Tallinn, met with Ukrainian refugee students, and praised Ukraine's resilience. Estonia, once part of the Soviet Union, now collaborates with NATO allies to deter Russian threats.

The United States conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen's northwestern Saada governorate, as reported by the Houthi-controlled Al Masirah television channel, with no casualty data provided. On March 15, the US began massive strikes on Houthi facilities in Yemen following an order from Trump, with the US Central Command stating the aim was to defend American interests and restore freedom of navigation. According to the latest data from the Houthi health ministry, US strikes in Yemen have killed 53 people and wounded over 100. In response, the Ansar Allah movement has repeatedly attacked the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman in the northern part of the Red Sea using missiles and drones.

Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, while the United States has dropped to 24th place, marking its lowest ranking ever. The Oxford University's Well-being Research Centre released the '2025 World Happiness Report' on March 20, with Nordic countries dominating the top spots, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. Costa Rica and Mexico entered the top 10 for the first time, ranking sixth and tenth respectively. Assistant Professor Mattila from Aalto University in Finland attributes Finland's high happiness levels to a well-functioning society and comprehensive welfare system. The decline in the U.S. ranking is partly due to the increase in people eating alone and rising 'deaths of despair.' Afghanistan is rated the least happy country, owing to its ongoing humanitarian crisis. The report is based on global survey data from 2022 to 2024, considering factors such as life satisfaction, GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.