News from March 13, 2025 at 2 AM

President Donald Trump announced that US officials are heading to Russia to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. This follows Ukrainian officials agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire after a meeting with American officials in Saudi Arabia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US believes peace negotiations are the only way to end the conflict. The Kremlin is studying the ceasefire proposal, and a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is possible. Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky said it is now up to the US to convince Russia to accept the 'positive' proposal. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that National Security Secretary Mike Waltz had spoken to his Russian counterpart. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is set to head to Moscow for negotiations. Despite ongoing negotiations, intense fighting continues in various parts of Ukraine.

The US is set to propose a 30-day ceasefire, negotiated with Ukraine, to Russia. Ukraine has expressed readiness to accept the proposal, contingent on Russian acceptance and concurrent implementation. The Trump administration views this as a significant foreign policy breakthrough, but there are concerns in Europe that it may ease military pressure on Moscow, potentially leading to Ukraine's effective surrender. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin is untrustworthy. The agreement includes the US resuming intelligence sharing and security assistance to Ukraine, worth around $2 billion per month. Both sides agreed to immediate negotiations for a lasting peace, involving Ukraine's long-term security. Additionally, the presidents agreed to conclude a comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine's mineral resources to ensure its prosperity and security.

On March 11, the Philippine President's Office announced that former President Rodrigo Duterte was detained at Manila International Airport upon his return from abroad, following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte's anti-drug campaign during his tenure sparked controversy, leading to a preliminary investigation by the ICC in 2018 and a formal investigation in 2021. The Philippine government stated it would cooperate with the ICC. Duterte questioned the legality of his detention, drawing widespread attention in the Philippines. According to ICC procedures, suspects are typically transferred to The Hague for trial. Duterte's detention could impact Philippine politics, especially with midterm elections approaching soon.

On March 12, a plane carrying former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, for whom the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant, landed in the Netherlands. A court spokesperson confirmed the landing and stated that further developments would be communicated. According to the Dutch NOS TV channel, Duterte is expected to be taken to a prison in The Hague and placed in pre-trial detention.

On March 12, 2025, Pakistan's army announced the successful rescue of over 300 hostages from a passenger train hijacked by militants in Balochistan province. The military spokesperson reported that 33 militants were killed during the operation, while 21 civilian hostages and four military personnel were killed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) before the operation commenced. Approximately 440 passengers were on the train at the time of the attack. Security officials noted that some militants may have fled with an unknown number of passengers into the surrounding mountainous area. The military is actively searching for these passengers, with the exact number of unaccounted individuals still unclear. The Pakistani authorities, along with several Western countries including the UK and US, have designated the BLA as a terrorist organization. The BLA, demanding greater autonomy or independence for Balochistan, accuses Islamabad of exploiting the province's resources and neglecting its development.

On December 12, the rescue operation for a train hijacked by terrorists in Pakistan entered its second day, with security forces rescuing 190 passengers and confirming their identities, while 30 terrorists were killed. On the afternoon of December 11, a train carrying about 450 passengers, including some security personnel, was attacked and hijacked by the Baloch Liberation Army in Balochistan. The attackers engaged in fierce gunfire with the soldiers and took hostage women and children. Ten people, including the train driver and several security personnel, have been confirmed dead, with the total number of passenger casualties still to be verified. Pakistan Railways suspended operations on all routes from Punjab and Sindh to Balochistan and set up information desks at nearby stations for relatives to inquire about rescued individuals. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning strongly condemned the attack, stating that China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and will continue to support Pakistan's anti-terrorism efforts.

On March 12, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a speech in Tehran, criticizing President Donald Trump's invitation for nuclear negotiations as a ploy to deceive and manipulate global public opinion. He pointed out that Trump had previously torn up a signed agreement and that the U.S. could not be trusted, making negotiations unnecessary and only exacerbating sanctions. On March 7, Trump revealed in an interview that he had written to Khamenei, urging Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program. In July 2015, Iran reached a comprehensive nuclear deal with six countries, agreeing to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. In May 2018, the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the deal and reimposed sanctions. Since May 2019, Iran has gradually suspended parts of the agreement but has stated that its actions are reversible.

On March 12, Anwar Gargash, senior diplomatic advisor to the United Arab Emirates president, will deliver a letter from US President Donald Trump to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei through Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Trump has repeatedly threatened to use military force against Iran if Tehran fails to reach a deal with Washington on its nuclear program. The US leader signed an executive order reinforcing a policy of maximum pressure on Iran, stating that he would not allow Tehran to obtain nuclear weapons. In response, Khamenei emphasized that Iran would not engage in talks under pressure. On March 7, Trump announced that he had sent a message to Khamenei calling for negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program, to which the Iranian leader replied that the US was solely guided by its own interests, hence Tehran's opposition to talks with Washington.

On March 12, 2025, Greenland's centre-right opposition party won a surprise general election victory, with independence and US President Donald Trump's pledge to acquire the semi-autonomous territory dominating the vote. The Democratic Party, advocating a gradual approach to independence from Denmark, secured around 30% of the vote. Party leader Jens Frederik Nielsen emphasized the need for unity. Greenland, controlled by Denmark for about 300 years, governs its domestic affairs but relies on Copenhagen for foreign and defence policies. Five of the six main parties support independence but differ on the pace. The Democratic Party, considered a moderate on independence, saw a 20% vote increase from 2021. Naleraq, pushing for immediate independence and closer US ties, was set for second place. The current ruling parties, Inuit Ataqatigiit and Siumut, were heading for third and fourth places, marking a setback for Prime Minister Mute B Egede. About 44,000 Greenlanders voted to elect 31 MPs and the local government. Trump reiterated his acquisition intentions, but Greenland and Denmark's leaders have consistently rejected his demands.

On March 12, the results of the parliamentary election in Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, were announced, with the business-friendly Democrats unexpectedly winning and set to form a new government to replace the current left-wing coalition. The Democrats secured 29.9% of the vote, followed by the nationalist party Naleraq with 24.5%. The current Prime Minister's Inuit Ataqatigiit and coalition partner Siumut received 21.4% and 14.7% respectively. With no party securing a majority, the Democrats will need to form a coalition government. Former badminton champion Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leading the Democrats, stated they will negotiate with all parties. The election, influenced by President Trump's proposal to buy Greenland, saw a high voter turnout of 70.9%. The new government is expected to draft a timeline for independence.

Despite Trump's significant cuts to government spending, the US House of Representatives passed a temporary funding bill with a 217-213 vote to keep the government running until September 30, avoiding a shutdown on March 14. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it needs at least eight Democratic senators' support to pass. Once passed, Trump can sign it into law. Democrats oppose the bill as it increases defense spending by $6 billion while cutting $13 billion from domestic budgets, affecting funds for veterans' benefits, major disease research, and nuclear non-proliferation programs. The bill's most controversial aspect is removing Congress's power to block Trump's use of emergency economic powers to impose tariffs, previously subject to congressional vote. Despite widespread Democratic opposition, some senators indicate they will support the bill to prevent a government shutdown, fearing public backlash and the chaos it would cause.

On February 11, 2025, President Donald Trump announced in the Oval Office that he would purchase a Tesla to support Elon Musk, as the electric vehicle maker faces sales and share price pressures due to Musk's involvement in global politics, particularly as head of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency. Trump accused 'radical left lunatics' of illegally boycotting Tesla, which Musk acknowledged has made running his businesses difficult. Tesla's stock had its worst day since 2020 on Monday, down 45% in 2025, amid reports of vandalized vehicles, protests, and a drop in European sales. Morgan Stanley advised clients to buy shares after the decline, helping Tesla's stock rise over 2% in premarket trading on Tuesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that violence targeting Tesla stores would be considered 'domestic terrorism,' with perpetrators facing severe punishment. On March 11, Trump made these remarks in front of the White House, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk present. Trump announced the purchase of a Tesla to show support. Recently, Tesla has faced large-scale protests, with demonstrations and vandalism occurring in Portland, Oregon, and New York City. The protest organizers responded that peaceful protests are not terrorism. Legal experts note that Trump can direct the Justice Department to prosecute under terrorism laws, but such charges may not hold up in court.