News from March 24, 2025 at 2 AM

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov led his delegation in Riyadh, concluding 'productive and focused' peace talks with US officials on March 23. US President Donald Trump aims for a swift end to the three-year war, hoping the Riyadh talks pave the way for a breakthrough, despite Kremlin warnings of 'difficult negotiations' ahead. Despite both sides proposing temporary ceasefire plans, attacks persist. Originally planned simultaneous talks are now being held separately. Umerov noted discussions covered key issues like energy, with Ukraine striving for a 'just and lasting peace'. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russia for prolonging the war, urging pressure on Putin to halt strikes. US-Russia talks were set for March 24, with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff optimistic about a comprehensive ceasefire, though the Kremlin downplayed expectations of a rapid resolution.

US President Donald Trump, ahead of new US-Russia talks, stated that the situation in the Russia-Ukraine war is under control and claimed to be the only one who can stop Russian President Vladimir Putin. The US aims to broker a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine before Easter on April 20. Trump emphasized his good relations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, asserting deep understanding of Putin. Trump's Middle East envoy, Jason Greenblatt, praised Putin and revealed that Putin prayed for Trump and gifted him a portrait. US officials will meet with Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia on March 24 to discuss ceasefire details. Kiev, Ukraine, was hit by a large-scale Russian drone attack, resulting in at least three deaths, including a five-year-old child.

Since the start of Israel's military operation in October 2023, the total number of fatalities in the Gaza Strip has reached 49,747, with 113,213 people injured. On March 18, the Israel Defense Forces launched large-scale strikes on Hamas targets in Gaza, resulting in 634 deaths and 1,172 injuries. Gaza hospitals have received 130 bodies and 263 injured individuals over the past 48 hours. Many bodies remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings, with rescue teams unable to retrieve them. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office justified the action by citing Hamas' rejection of proposals presented during negotiations mediated by intermediaries.

Israel has resumed heavy attacks on Gaza and warned Hamas that it will annex parts of the territory if hostages are not released. Defense Minister Katz stated that Hamas' refusal to release hostages will result in more territorial losses. Hamas has received a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar, involving hostage exchanges and the resumption of humanitarian aid. Israel launched a major attack on Gaza this Tuesday, causing at least 515 deaths. Turkey and Hamas condemned Israeli bombings of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital. Israeli President Herzog expressed concern over the military action. Germany, France, and the UK called for a ceasefire, while the UN warned that up to 1 million children in Gaza face severe hardship. Artillery exchanges occurred on the Israel-Lebanon border, with Hezbollah shelling Israel and the IDF retaliating.

The Turkish Interior Ministry announced on March 23 that Istanbul Mayor Emin Imamoglu has been suspended from his duties and detained pending trial on charges of bribery, corruption, and other allegations. Previously, Imamoglu's arrest on March 19 sparked widespread protests across the country. President Erdogan condemned the protests, accusing the Republican People's Party of disrupting peace. The court did not charge Imamoglu with terrorism. On the evening of March 22, protests outside Istanbul's municipal building escalated, with police using pepper spray and tear gas to disperse the crowd. The protests have spread to 55 of Turkey's 81 provinces. As Imamoglu was arrested, the Republican People's Party's primary voting had already begun, with him remaining the party's sole candidate.

On March 23, 2025, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was jailed as part of a corruption investigation in Turkey, sparking widespread protests nationwide. Imamoglu, a key political rival of President Tayyip Erdogan, faces charges including leading a criminal organization and accepting bribes. The Republican People's Party (CHP) reported over 15 million people support Imamoglu, calling for early elections. Protests continued in several cities, with police using tear gas and water cannons. Market turmoil ensued, with the Turkish lira and stocks declining, prompting the central bank to take steps to stabilize the currency.

On March 23, 2025, Pope Francis was discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital after a five-week battle with double pneumonia, marking the most severe health crisis of his 12-year papacy. The 88-year-old pope made his first public appearance since February 14 before leaving the hospital and returned to the Vatican, making a brief stop to leave flowers at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. His doctors have advised two months of rest at the Vatican and avoiding large or stressful gatherings. Francis smiled and waved to well-wishers upon discharge, though he appeared swollen and had bandages on his arms. He briefly spoke to thank 79-year-old Carmela Vittoria Mancuso, who visited daily. During his hospital stay, Francis experienced four respiratory crises, two of which were life-threatening. Although no longer suffering from pneumonia, he is not fully recovered. The Vatican released a statement from Francis thanking his doctors for their tireless care, as Catholics worldwide prayed for his recovery.

Pope Francis, admitted to the hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection leading to double pneumonia, experienced two critical episodes in the past five weeks. According to doctors, he was never intubated and remained alert. Now stable and free of pneumonia, he will be discharged on Sunday and needs at least two months of rest at the Vatican. On Saturday, the Pope will offer a blessing from the Gemelli hospital window, his first public appearance since admission. Doctors noted that patients with double pneumonia temporarily lose their voice, especially the elderly. If his condition continues to improve, the Pope could return to work soon.

New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a snap election for April 28 on March 23, stating he needed a strong mandate to address the threat posed by US President Donald Trump, who 'wants to break us so America can own us'. This comment highlights the severe deterioration in US-Canada relations since Mr. Trump imposed tariffs on Canada and threatened to annex it as the 51st state. Although the next election was scheduled for October 20, Mr. Carney aims to capitalize on a significant recovery in his Liberal party's poll numbers since January, when Mr. Trump began threatening Canada and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a snap election for April 28 on March 23, stating the need for a strong mandate to address threats from US President Donald Trump. Since Trump began pressuring Canada in January, the Liberal Party has seen a significant recovery in polls. Initially expressing respect for Trump upon taking office on March 14, Carney adopted a more confrontational stance on March 23. Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and threatened further actions. Polls indicate that Canadians are most concerned about Trump's negative impact. Carney proposed tax cuts to garner voter support, with the Liberals now slightly ahead of the main opposition Conservatives.

Following a power outage, London's Heathrow Airport resumed operations after being closed for over 10 hours on March 21st. The airport deployed hundreds of additional staff and added flights to accommodate 10,000 extra passengers. Changi Airport Group stated that flights between Changi and Heathrow are gradually returning to normal. British Airways expects 85% of flights to operate as scheduled on Saturday, but delays are still anticipated. The outage at Heathrow disrupted the travel plans of tens of thousands of passengers, causing a surge in nearby hotel prices. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) criticized the airport's infrastructure vulnerability, with the aviation industry facing significant financial losses.

On local time 22nd, London Heathrow Airport reopened after a power substation fire caused its closure. Experts and several airlines have warned that airport and flight operations may continue to be affected in the coming days. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Singapore Airlines, among others, have informed passengers that a few flights were canceled on the 22nd. The fire on the 21st led to the temporary closure of the airport, impacting over 1,350 flights and approximately 290,000 passengers.

On March 23, Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Trump administration's plan to send a high-level delegation to the island, describing it as 'highly aggressive'. Usha Vance, the second lady, and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz are scheduled to visit Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, this week. Prime Minister Egede stated that Greenlanders' diplomatic efforts are ineffective against the Trump administration, and Waltz's visit serves only to demonstrate power over Greenland. Greenlandic officials pointed out the inopportune timing of the visit, coinciding with parliamentary elections and the formation of a new government. Polls show that a majority of Greenlanders do not want to become part of the US but still desire improved relations with Washington. The Trump administration has portrayed the visit as friendly, with Vance attending a dog sled race. Waltz is expected to tour a US military base, as the administration eyes Greenland's rare earth minerals and other resources.

According to a report by Danish public broadcaster on March 23, Usha Vance, wife of US Vice President Vance, and her son will visit Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, on March 27 to learn about the local cultural heritage and participate in traditional dog sled races. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized the seriousness of the visit, stressing that Danish-US cooperation must be based on sovereign equality and mutual respect. Despite being an unofficial visit, Danish authorities have beefed up security, with the National Police deploying forces in Nuuk, Greenland's capital. It is reported that US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will accompany Mrs. Vance. The visit's background involves Greenland's strategic location and untapped mineral reserves, sparking political interpretations.

On the evening of the 22nd local time, over 100,000 Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other locations against Prime Minister Netanyahu's dismissal of Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet security agency. The Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction on the 21st, freezing the government's dismissal decision. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called for a general strike if Netanyahu refuses to comply with the ruling. Netanyahu released a video explaining the dismissal, denying it was related to the 'Qatar Gate' scandal, and blaming Bar for failing to prevent a Hamas attack. Netanyahu also disclosed communications with Bar, accusing him of repeatedly delaying the submission of an investigation report.

On March 21, US President Donald Trump, while at his golf property in Bedminster, New Jersey, revoked the security clearances of former Vice-President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and several others, in a move seen as a fresh attack on his Democratic opponents. Trump had previously revoked the security clearance of former President Joe Biden. The list also included former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Republican Representative Liz Cheney, and former Biden White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, among others. While the revocations may not have immediate impacts, they signify the deepening political divide in Washington. In 2021, Biden had also revoked the security clearance of then-former President Trump.