News from April 25, 2025 at 2 AM

US President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine is facing a dire situation, with President Volodymyr Zelensky having the option to either secure a peace deal or fight for another three years before losing the entire country. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Zelensky's refusal to recognize Crimea as part of Russia will only prolong the conflict, despite a resolution being very close. Trump also noted that no one is asking Zelensky to acknowledge Crimea as Russian territory and questioned why Kiev has not taken action over the past 11 years. Additionally, Trump mentioned that the US is actively negotiating a fair trade deal with China, considering reducing tariffs on China to between 50% and 65% to de-escalate the ongoing trade war.

On April 24, 2025, a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 tourists, sharply escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan suspended visa exemptions for Indian nationals, expelled some Indian diplomats, and closed its airspace to Indian flights. Indian police identified three suspects, two of whom are Pakistani citizens. Pakistan denies involvement in the attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to pursue terrorists. India announced diplomatic measures against Pakistan, including closing the main border crossing. Pakistan responded by considering India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty as an act of war and took reciprocal actions.

On the 24th local time, the Israeli military launched strikes on multiple areas in the Gaza Strip, resulting in at least 55 deaths. The Gaza Strip Health Ministry reported that an Israeli attack on an apartment building in Gaza City killed 11 people, including at least one child. In another airstrike, the IDF hit a police station in Jabaliya, northern Gaza, causing 9 deaths. IDF Chief of Staff Zvika Haimovich threatened that if Hamas does not release the remaining Israeli detainees soon, the IDF will launch 'more intense strikes' in the Gaza Strip until decisive results are achieved.

On October 24, the Jeonju District Prosecutor's Office in South Korea charged former President Moon Jae-in with violating the Special Criminal Act on Aggravated Punishment for Specific Crimes (bribery), marking his first indictment since leaving office. If convicted, Moon could face more than 10 years in prison. Prosecutors allege that Moon received bribes totaling 21.5 billion KRW through his daughter and former son-in-law. Moon called the charges "absurd," while the ruling People Power Party expects a fair judgment from the court. Media analyses suggest the case has clear political motives, exacerbating political polarization in South Korea.

The Trump Organization's official retail website began selling red hats and T-shirts with the message 'Trump 2028' on Thursday, sparking fresh questions about President Donald Trump's potential bid for a third term despite constitutional restrictions. The White House referred inquiries to the Trump Organization, which did not comment. Trump has repeatedly hinted at running for a third term, which would require amending the U.S. Constitution. The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two terms; Trump was elected in 2016 and 2024. He has said many people want him to run but it's too early to consider. Former White House advisor Steve Bannon predicts Trump will run and win a third term. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., introduced a resolution to amend the Constitution to allow Trump and future presidents to serve three terms.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro denied drug addiction accusations made by his former Foreign Minister, Alvaro Leyva. In a public letter published after his resignation in May 2024, Leyva claimed Petro disappeared for two days during a 2023 visit to France and alleged he had a drug addiction problem. Petro responded on social media, calling the claims slander and explaining he was spending time with his eldest daughter and her family in France. His daughter, Andrea, also confirmed this on social media. Former Justice Minister Wilson Ruiz requested the investigative committee of the lower house to examine Petro's mental and physical health due to the alleged drug use.

On April 24, US President Donald Trump criticized Harvard University as an 'Anti-Semitic, Far Left Institution' and froze its federal funding. The Trump administration has accused several top universities of anti-Semitism and anti-white bias, threatening funding freezes and deporting foreign students involved in protests. Harvard, which rejected extensive government oversight, sued the Trump administration on April 21. Trump also issued an executive order restricting universities' access to federal funds. On April 24, a federal judge ruled that Trump cannot withhold funds from public schools operating equality and diversity policies. Additionally, Harvard faces financial pressure and is in talks to sell about $1 billion in private equity fund stakes.

On April 23, the European Commission fined Apple and Meta €500 million and €200 million respectively, totaling €700 million, for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This marks the EU's first fine against major tech companies. The investigation, which began in March last year, found both companies failed to meet their 'gatekeeper' obligations. Apple was accused of restricting app developers from guiding users to other platforms, while Meta's 'pay or agree' mechanism was deemed to have improperly collected user data. The White House spokesperson labeled the fines as 'new economic extortion,' suggesting increased tensions in EU-US trade relations. Both Apple and Meta indicated they might appeal the decision.

A large-scale wildfire near Ocean County, New Jersey, United States, may become the state's largest in nearly two decades. Thousands were temporarily evacuated, with no reported casualties or property damage. As of the evening of April 23, the Jones Road wildfire had burned 5,400 hectares, with 50% containment. Officials stated that the fire no longer threatens densely populated areas but requires continuous rainfall for complete extinguishment. New Jersey has declared a state of emergency.

According to six sources with direct knowledge, the United States is set to offer Saudi Arabia an arms package worth over $100 billion, expected to be announced during President Donald Trump's visit to the kingdom in May. This package follows former President Joe Biden's unsuccessful attempt to finalize a defense pact with Riyadh, which included offering advanced US weaponry in exchange for halting Chinese arms purchases and restricting Beijing's investment in Saudi Arabia. Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp are expected to play significant roles in the package, along with other major US defense contractors like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics. In 2017, Trump proposed $110 billion in sales to Saudi Arabia, but Congress questioned these deals following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In 2021, the Biden administration banned sales of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, a ban lifted in 2024.

On April 17, 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in high-level talks with France's Minister of Foreign Affairs in Paris to discuss Ukraine and its security. On the same day, Rubio denied an American media report claiming that the White House was discussing lifting sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Earlier, an American news agency, citing sources, reported that the White House was considering easing sanctions on Nord Stream 2 and other Russian assets in Europe as part of negotiations on Ukraine. The report identified US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff as the main proponent of lifting the sanctions. Rubio stated on X that the report was unequivocally false, asserting that neither he nor Witkoff had any conversations about lifting sanctions against Russia as part of a deal with Ukraine. He accused the report of journalistic malpractice and demanded that Politico fully retract the fictional piece.