News from March 24, 2025 at 2 PM

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 Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, stated that the United States expects tangible progress from the upcoming negotiations with Russia in Saudi Arabia. A Russian-US expert-level meeting is scheduled in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Monday, focusing on the Black Sea Grain Initiative aimed at ensuring the safety of shipping in the Black Sea amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Witkoff hinted at real progress in achieving a Black Sea ceasefire for ships. Earlier, a US technical team was set to meet with Ukrainian officials in Riyadh on Sunday. On March 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, who proposed a 30-day mutual cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure, which Putin supported and immediately ordered. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later backed the proposal, but the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Kiev attacked an oil depot in Russia's Krasnodar Territory with drones just hours after the Putin-Trump conversation.

On March 23, an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in the Gaza Strip killed five people, including Hamas political leader Ismail Barhoum. The Israeli military stated the attack targeted a key Hamas figure using precise munitions to minimize harm. Hamas claimed Barhoum was being treated at the hospital. Additionally, another Hamas leader, Salah al-Bardaweel, was killed in a separate strike. Since the war began in late 2023, 11 members of Hamas' decision-making body have been killed. Following Israel's abandonment of a ceasefire on March 18, a comprehensive air and ground campaign against Hamas has led to mass civilian displacement. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged Israel to respect civilian lives.

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, 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.

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.

Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is expected to announce snap elections on March 23, seeking a stronger mandate amid a trade war and annexation threats from US President Donald Trump. Chosen by the centrist Liberal Party to replace Justin Trudeau, Carney has never faced the broader Canadian electorate, but this will change on April 28 if he announces early elections as anticipated. Government sources indicate he will make the announcement at 12:30pm local time. The Liberal government, in power for a decade, had become deeply unpopular, but Carney hopes to ride a wave of Canadian patriotism to a new majority due to Trump's threats. Trump has dismissed Canada's sovereignty and imposed tariffs, threatening its economy. In a speech in Edmonton, Carney emphasized the need for a strong mandate during this crisis. Polls have shifted dramatically in Carney's favor since he took over, making the election outcome uncertain.

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.

Pope Francis has been hospitalized in Rome's Gemelli Hospital since Feb 14 due to a severe respiratory infection. On March 22, the head of his medical team announced that Francis will be discharged on March 23 but will require two more months of rest at the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff's hospitalization marks the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy. Doctors have advised him to avoid large meetings or activities requiring special effort. On March 23, Francis plans to make his first public appearance in over five weeks, offering a blessing from the hospital window. He has not been able to conduct his usual weekly noon-time prayer in St Peter's Square since Feb 9.