Week 7, 2025 News Review

According to multiple foreign media reports, high-level US and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia next week to prepare for a possible meeting between President Trump and President Putin on the Ukraine issue at the end of this month. Europe has been excluded from the negotiations, sparking opposition from European leaders. Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, British Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized Europe's importance in addressing the Ukraine issue. French President Emmanuel Macron has convened an emergency summit of European leaders in Paris on the 17th. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine was not invited to the US-Russia talks and opposes any peace agreement reached without Ukrainian participation.

On February 15, a stabbing attack in the southern Austrian city of Villach left a 14-year-old boy dead and five others injured, including two seriously. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner labeled it an Islamist attack with connections to the Islamic State. The suspect, a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker, was reportedly radicalized online in a short period. Following the attack, a Syrian food deliverer, Alaaeddin Alhalabi, rammed his car into the attacker, subduing him. Local residents placed candles at the attack site, expressing fears for the future. Carinthia Governor Peter Kaiser called for the harshest consequences for this 'unbelievable atrocity,' while far-right leader Herbert Kickl demanded a rigorous clamp-down on asylum policies.

On February 16, 2025, a stabbing attack occurred in the town of Villach, Austria, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injuries to five others. Authorities identified the suspect as a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker who was believed to have been radicalized online by the Islamic State (IS). Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that an IS flag was found in the suspect's apartment and that he had sworn allegiance to IS. The attack took place amid political tensions in Austria, with the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) using the incident to advocate for stricter deportations of illegal immigrants. This follows recent thwarted and successful terror attacks in Vienna and Munich, respectively.

On February 16, a deadly stampede occurred at New Delhi Railway Station, India, resulting in at least 18 deaths and several injuries. The incident was triggered by overcrowding due to the delay of two trains and a third train bound for Prayagraj city for the Kumbh Mela festival waiting to depart. A passenger slipping and falling on the stairs caused the crush. Opposition leaders criticized the government for inadequate crowd management. An investigation has been launched, and compensation for victims announced. Eyewitnesses and families of victims blamed the station authorities and police for delayed response. A similar crush at Kumbh Mela last month killed 30 people.

On February 14, 2025, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels advanced into the center of Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, facing little resistance from government troops. The rebels have been aiming to seize Bukavu since taking Goma in late January. On Saturday evening, the Congolese presidency stated that Bukavu remained under government and allied control, but by early Sunday, rebels had entered the city center, according to residents and local officials. M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma confirmed the militia's presence and posted a photo on social media. The rapid advance of the rebels has raised fears of a broader regional conflict. Bukavu residents reported seeing M23 troops in central districts without opposition. The United Nations warned that the humanitarian crisis in eastern provinces has worsened, leaving about 350,000 people displaced.

On February 16, troops of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the pro-government Wazalendo militia entered Bukavu, retaking the city from M23 rebels. The Congolese president’s office stated that Bukavu is now under the control of the Congolese army and the Wazalendo. Military units entered Bukavu late on February 15, with social media videos showing troops driving through the streets without reported fighting, but with sounds of isolated shots. Reports indicate mass looting of stores and warehouses. M23 captured the city on Friday evening, with government troops withdrawing and militia units fleeing. Bukavu has a population exceeding 1 million, with an additional 1 million in displacement and refugee camps in its suburbs. At the end of January, M23 rebels had captured the city of Goma.

Former Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, has been arrested on money laundering charges by the state-run Financial Crimes Commission (FCC). FCC spokesperson Ibrahim Rossaye stated that Jugnauth will be detained at the Moka detention centre in central Mauritius. The arrest followed searches by FCC detectives at various locations, including Jugnauth's residence, where they seized 114 million Mauritius Rupees ($2.4 million). Jugnauth's lawyer, Raouf Gulbul, said his client has been provisionally charged with money laundering but denies the charges. In November, Mauritius' new Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced an audit of public finances after questioning the accuracy of some government data compiled by the previous administration. The country's former central bank governor was detained last month and released on bail, facing charges of conspiracy to commit fraud. Mauritius, an Indian Ocean archipelago, is an offshore financial centre that positions itself as a link between Africa and Asia.

According to Russian media outlets such as RIA Novosti, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that U.S. President Donald Trump can visit Russia anytime if conditions are coordinated. Peskov emphasized during an interview that Trump's visit would require mutual agreement. He also noted that recent calls between Putin and Trump sent a strong signal of resolving issues through dialogue. On December 12, Trump spoke with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussing the situation in Ukraine and agreeing to closely cooperate on ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The next day, Peskov said Russia views the U.S. as the primary interlocutor in negotiations regarding the Ukraine situation.

According to reports from Bloomberg and Reuters, Musk announced on local time 15th via social platform X that his AI company xAI's chatbot Grok 3 will be launched at 8 PM Pacific Time on the 17th in the United States. Earlier this week, Musk stated that the development of Grok 3 was in its final stages and expected to be released within a week or two, highlighting its strong reasoning capabilities. In November 2023, Musk announced that xAI's AI model Grok can connect to social platform X in real-time.

Elon Musk's AI startup xAI will release the Grok 3 chatbot on February 18, with Musk describing it as the 'smartest AI on Earth.' The product will be demonstrated at 8pm Pacific time on February 17 (12pm on February 18, Singapore time), as announced by Musk in a post on X. During the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February 13, Musk teased the launch, claiming Grok 3 would outperform all existing competing tools. The model, trained on synthetic data, can reflect on its mistakes to achieve logical consistency. Concurrently, Chinese startup DeepSeek, whose model rivals OpenAI's ChatGPT, is aggressively recruiting specialists, signaling its expanding ambitions. Musk and OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman have been engaged in a long-standing feud over the company's direction.

On February 14 local time, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on imported cars as early as April 2, without providing further details. Trump believes that US exported cars have long been unfairly treated in foreign markets. Experts note that this move reflects trade protectionism and will harm both the US and its trading partners. Professor Diao Daming from the School of International Relations at Renmin University of China analyzes that Trump's tariff imposition is based on three considerations: balancing trade structures, pressuring opponents, and protecting domestic industries, particularly aimed at safeguarding the US auto industry and rewarding the midwestern white-collar working class. However, this policy will affect major trading partners such as Mexico, Japan, and increase the burden on US consumers, ultimately proving detrimental to the US in the long run.

On February 14, 2025, social media videos showed people in military clothing in Katana, near Kavumu airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured a strategic airport and advanced towards the second major city, Bukavu, in the mineral-rich east of Congo. The rebels overran Congolese forces to seize Kavumu airport, about 30km north of Bukavu in South Kivu province, one of the last major runways for large planes in the region. The M23 stated that Kavumu and its surroundings, including the airport, are now under their control. Residents of Bukavu panicked as shots were heard on the night of February 14. The Congolese army and the UN mission in Congo did not respond to requests for comment. The assault follows the rebels' seizure of Goma in North Kivu province two weeks earlier, resulting in over 3,000 deaths and a similar number of injuries. Global leaders condemned the invasion, calling for peace talks, a ceasefire, and the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congo. Rwandan President Paul Kagame denied supporting M23 and claimed ignorance of his troops' presence in Congo. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, at a Munich security conference, called for international sanctions against Rwanda and for the EU to stop buying Rwandan minerals, alleging they are stolen from Congo. He also blamed his predecessor, Mr Joseph Kabila, for orchestrating the rebellion. UN and Congolese officials warn that the rebels' next target may be Bukavu, a trading hub for Congo's gold riches. Over the past two weeks, as fighting moved south, Bukavu has received thousands of displaced people, with local youth joining militias to defend the city. Soldiers from neighboring Burundi are also involved in the fight against M23, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.

Pope Francis, suffering from bronchitis for over a week, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on the morning of Feb 14 for treatment. According to the Italian news agency Ansa, the 88-year-old pontiff had a peaceful first night in the hospital and his fever had subsided. The Vatican stated that the Pope underwent diagnostic tests, which revealed a respiratory tract infection. Since becoming pontiff in 2013, Pope Francis has experienced influenza and other health issues several times in the past two years. He has been dealing with respiratory issues since mid-December and had aides read his statements at several public events in January and February. Gemelli Hospital, Rome's largest, has a special suite for treating popes; Pope Francis spent nine days there in June 2023 for abdominal hernia surgery.

The federal government layoffs initiative pushed by US President Trump and advisor Musk has led to nearly 10,000 employees being fired, affecting multiple departments including the Interior, Energy, and Veterans Affairs. As of February 14, over 9,500 employees had received layoff notices. The lack of coordination in the layoffs has caused dissatisfaction among some staffers, prompting the Energy Department to rescind some dismissal notices. The firing of 325 employees from the National Nuclear Security Administration has raised concerns among experts. Additionally, nearly 1,300 employees from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were laid off, accounting for about 10% of its workforce, dealing a blow to public health efforts.

Starting from the evening of February 13, the short-video platform TikTok was restored in the US Apple and Google app stores. Reporters confirmed that the TikTok app is now fully functional in both stores. In a statement, TikTok said that its US users can download the latest version of the app and continue to create, discover, and share content they enjoy. According to US media reports, Apple and Google reinstated TikTok after receiving assurances from US Attorney General Pam Bondi.

On October 14, Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Eto Taku, announced the release of up to 210,000 tons of government reserve rice to address issues in rice distribution. This move aims to counter the continuous rise in rice prices by increasing supply to lower retail prices, marking Japan's first use of reserve rice for distribution purposes. Previously, reserve rice was only used in cases of disasters or significant crop failures, but policies were amended last month. Since last summer, extreme heat has led to rice shortages, causing prices to surge by 82%. The government plans to sell the rice through bidding and will repurchase an equivalent amount within a year to prevent price crashes.

On February 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at the Munich Security Conference that Ukraine would never accept any peace deals made without its involvement. He called on Europe to establish its own armed forces, emphasizing that Ukraine's military alone is insufficient for security. This follows a phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, with a potential future meeting in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine seeks a joint strategy with the US and Europe. Zelensky warned European leaders that if the Ukraine-Russia war ends poorly, Putin will have a surplus of battle-hardened soldiers. He also predicted that the Kremlin might persuade Trump to attend Moscow's May 9 commemorations.

On February 15, Israel and Hamas conducted their sixth round of prisoner exchange, with Hamas releasing three Israeli detainees and Israel freeing 369 Palestinian prisoners. The handover took place in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, where the released Israelis underwent medical checks and reunited with their families. The exchange faced numerous setbacks, influenced by international mediation and intense negotiations between the two sides. Hamas had accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, postponing the release, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to threaten ending the ceasefire. Despite the first phase of the ceasefire agreement passing its fourth week, there has been no substantial progress in the second phase negotiations. Significant differences remain between the two sides on issues of prisoner release and the status of the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and making the path to peace fraught with challenges.

On February 15, 2025, Hamas released three Israeli hostages in exchange for 369 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, as part of the first phase of a ceasefire deal that began on January 19. So far, 19 hostages and over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners have been freed. Previously, Hamas had暂停 the release of hostages, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the deal, which Israel denied. Supported by US President Donald Trump, Israel threatened to resume intense fighting if the hostages were not handed over. The sixth swap took place in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, where the hostages were handed over to Red Cross workers. They were then airlifted to a hospital in central Israel for medical tests and reunions with their families. US President Trump and Israeli President Isaac Herzog commented on the release, with Defense Minister Israel Katz stating that efforts would continue to ensure all hostages return to Israel.

On the evening of February 15, 2025, a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station resulted in at least 15 deaths and 10 injuries. Dr Ritu Saxena, deputy medical superintendent of Lok Nayak Hospital, confirmed the figures, noting that among the deceased were three children and ten women. Eyewitnesses reported a massive crowd at the station, with many people traveling to and from the Hindu religious festival, the Kumbh Mela. Police officials stated that the situation was out of control for about 10 to 15 minutes due to overcrowding. Initially, Indian Railways dismissed reports of a stampede as a rumor, but later confirmed that an undisclosed number of people were injured and hospitalized. This incident follows a similar crush at the Kumbh Mela festival in northern India weeks earlier, which also resulted in multiple fatalities.

On February 15, a car attack in Munich, Germany, resulted in the death of a 37-year-old mother and her two-year-old daughter, who succumbed to their injuries on Saturday. At least 37 people were injured in the attack, which was carried out by a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, Farhad N, who was arrested at the scene and confessed to the crime, with apparent religious motivation. The incident has brought security issues to the forefront ahead of Germany's federal elections. The suspect arrived in Germany in 2016 and was allowed to stay despite his asylum application being rejected. Police stated he had no criminal record and no evidence linked him to jihadist groups. US Vice-President JD Vance expressed condolences to the victims upon his arrival in Munich.

On February 13, a car ramming attack occurred at a trade union demonstration in Munich, Germany, injuring 37 people. On February 15, a two-year-old girl and her 37-year-old mother succumbed to their injuries. Police arrested a 24-year-old Afghan man, Farhad N., suspected of deliberately driving into the crowd with possible Islamist extremist motives. The suspect reportedly shouted 'Allahu Akbar' and prayed after his arrest. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed deep shock and sadness over the deaths, offering condolences to the victims' families. The incident took place ahead of the February 23 German elections, where immigration is a key issue.

On February 15, a knife attack occurred in the center of Villach, a southern Austrian city, where a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker stabbed several passersby, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injuries to four others. Police reported that the suspect has been arrested. Rainer Dionisio, a spokesperson for the police in the state of Carinthia, stated that it was unclear whether the attacker knew any of the victims, with the injured ranging in age from 14 to 32. Such attacks are extremely rare in Austria, with the last major incident being a shooting rampage in Vienna in 2020. Known for its carnival and as a summer tourist hotspot, Villach saw a Syrian food delivery driver heroically intervene by ramming the attacker with his car, preventing further harm. The attack comes amid political upheaval in Austria, with the far-right Freedom Party, which failed to form a coalition government, using the incident to advocate for stricter asylum policies. Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl called for a crackdown on asylum in response to the attack.

A 19-year-old business student, Amir Mohammad Khaleqi, was fatally stabbed by robbers near a dormitory in Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday evening. The incident triggered protests at Tehran University over two days, with students demanding improved campus security. Social media videos showed confrontations between students and plainclothes security personnel. Iranian news websites reported that four students were detained and one suffered a broken nose, but Science Minister Hossein Simaei Sarraf stated that only one student was briefly detained. President Masoud Pezeshkian urged the science minister to swiftly address the case and the ensuing protests to prevent them from spreading beyond the university and to keep 'rogue forces' out of Tehran University.

On February 12, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call, agreeing on regular contacts to prepare for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. The call was initiated by the U.S. side. Both sides expressed their mutual willingness to interact on pressing international issues, including the situation around Ukraine, Palestine, and the broader Middle East. They reaffirmed their readiness to restore mutually respectful interstate dialogue. Previously, Trump and Putin spoke for over an hour on February 8, marking the first direct contact between U.S. and Russian presidents since Putin ordered the deployment of tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine in February 2022.

British couple Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both aged 52, were arrested in Iran in January, with news of their detention emerging on February 15th via Iranian state media, citing unspecified security charges. The couple was on a global motorbike trip and had planned to stay in Iran for only five days. The UK Foreign Office issued a statement on behalf of their family, expressing significant concern and stating they are actively working with the British government and relevant authorities to ensure their safety. The couple had entered Iran from Armenia on December 30th and planned to reach Pakistan by January 4th. After visiting several Iranian cities, they headed to Kerman but never checked into their hotel. Prior to their detention, Lindsay shared positive experiences of Iran on social media. The Iranian authorities have not specified the charges against them.

Saudi Arabia will convene a summit of Arab leaders in Riyadh on February 20 to discuss US President Trump's proposal to take over Gaza. Alternative plans are expected to be proposed to prevent the forced relocation of Palestinians. Leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE, as well as Palestinian President Abbas, will attend. Egypt has proposed forming a Palestinian National Council to manage Gaza, excluding Hamas, and suggested international involvement in reconstruction. This plan will be presented at an emergency summit in Cairo on February 27. Jordan's Foreign Minister stated that Arab nations are developing plans to rebuild Gaza without displacing its people. Trump's proposal has faced opposition from multiple countries, and US Secretary of State Rubio will visit the Middle East to encourage new solutions. Hamas released hostages as planned, averting the collapse of the ceasefire agreement.

OpenAI has officially rejected a $97.4 billion acquisition offer from a consortium led by billionaire Elon Musk. OpenAI Board Chairman Taylor stated on February 14th that OpenAI is not for sale, unanimously rejecting Musk's latest attempt to interfere with a competitor. Founded by Musk and CEO Altman, OpenAI saw Musk's departure due to differing visions. The company is currently raising significant funds to maintain its lead in AI. Musk accuses OpenAI of deviating from its non-profit mission, claiming his offer aimed to prevent its transformation into a for-profit entity. Lawyer Tobeloff, representing the consortium, noted the rejection was expected as Altman and Taylor had already opposed the deal. Altman accused Musk of slowing OpenAI's progress. Musk, who owns AI company xAI, had previously sued OpenAI, but a judge refrained from immediately issuing an order to block its restructuring.

Britain's Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, announced that due to U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of new tariffs on steel imports, the UK will advance the publication of its green paper for the steel industry. Originally scheduled for spring, the document aims to address challenges facing the sector, such as high energy costs and international turmoil. The UK government previously stated its intention to invest £2.5 billion ($3.15 billion) to boost the steel industry. Reynolds indicated that Britain would seek to persuade the U.S. government to exempt its steel and aluminum products from tariffs, given their sensitive role in U.S. defense and manufacturing supply chains. Industry body UK Steel warned that the new tariffs could be 'devastating,' as the U.S. is the second-largest export market for UK steel, worth over £400 million annually.

In 2018, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was elected a fellow of the Royal Society for his technological achievements in space travel and electric vehicles. Recently, over 2,000 scientists have signed an open letter, expressing dismay at the Royal Society's 'continued silence and apparent inaction' regarding Musk's behavior, such as embracing conspiracy theories, which they claim breaches the society's code of conduct. The letter also notes the seriousness is heightened by Musk's position within the Trump administration in the USA. The Telegraph reported on February 15 that the Royal Society has called a meeting on March 3 to discuss the principles around public pronouncements and behaviors of its fellows, potentially voting on Musk's expulsion. A spokesperson for the Royal Society confirmed the meeting but did not mention Musk by name.

US Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg stated that the US will act as an intermediary in the Ukraine peace talks. On February 15, President Donald Trump's Ukraine envoy in Munich indicated that Europe will not have a seat at the table for these talks. Previously, Washington sent questionnaires to European capitals to inquire about their contributions to security guarantees for Kyiv. Trump shocked European allies by calling Russian President Vladimir Putin without consulting them or Kyiv, announcing an immediate start to peace talks. Trump administration officials have made it clear that they expect NATO European allies to take primary responsibility for the region, as the US focuses on other priorities. This move has raised fears that Europeans might be excluded from a peace deal affecting their own security. Kellogg reassured Europeans at a global security conference in Munich that their interests would still be considered. Finnish President Alexander Stubb emphasized that Europe cannot be excluded from discussions on Ukraine's future and European security. The US questionnaire is forcing Europeans to think, with France and Poland discussing an urgent meeting. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged Europeans to take concrete actions. Kellogg suggested that talks could involve territorial concessions from Russia and targeting Putin's oil revenues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for the creation of a European army, stating that Europe can no longer rely on US protection.

European leaders are set to convene an emergency summit in Paris next week to discuss the war in Ukraine, amid concerns that US-Russia peace talks will exclude Europe. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a 'once-in-a-generation moment for our national security,' emphasizing Europe's need for a greater role in NATO. Previously, Donald Trump's special envoy indicated European leaders would be consulted but not participate in US-Russia talks. Senior White House officials are also scheduled to meet Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Saudi Arabia. Special envoy Keith Kellogg attributed past negotiation failures to too many parties involved. Starmer plans to visit the White House to discuss European views and meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after returning from Washington. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said Macron called the summit. Zelensky urged the creation of an 'army of Europe' and rejected deals made without Ukraine's involvement.

On February 15, 2025, Hamas released three Israeli hostages, and in return, Israel freed 369 Palestinian prisoners, marking the sixth hostage exchange since the ceasefire took effect on January 19. The released hostages included Argentinian-Israeli Iair Horn, American-Israeli Sagui Dekel Chen, and Russian-Israeli Alexander Troufanov, all abducted on October 7, 2023. The exchange indicates that the fragile ceasefire is holding. U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate over 2 million Palestinians from Gaza has added uncertainty to the ceasefire's future. Hamas has stated it will continue to release more hostages, but the first phase of the truce is set to conclude in early March, with no substantive negotiations yet for the second phase.

Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been experiencing chaotic scenes as the M23 rebel group continues its offensive in the region. On Saturday, sporadic gunfire and widespread looting were reported in the city, including at a World Food Programme depot, with residents sheltering in their homes. This follows the seizure of Kavumu airport north of Bukavu by M23 fighters. The UN and the European Union have expressed alarm over the escalating conflict. A threat by Uganda's army chief to attack a Congolese town has raised fears of a broader regional war. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the avoidance of regional escalation at an African Union summit. The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of sowing chaos for natural resources, a claim Rwanda denies. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced due to the rebel advance.

Brazil assumed the presidency of BRICS from January 1 this year. The BRICS Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6 to 7, 2025, as confirmed by the association's press service. This summit is a key event during Brazil's presidency, expected to draw global attention.

The Wall Street Journal reported that US President Donald Trump's approach to resolving the Ukrainian conflict has raised concerns, as it appears to effectively exclude Kiev from the negotiations. Trump announced the start of peace talks after a phone call with Putin and informed Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky afterwards. The article also highlighted comments by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after a NATO defense ministers' meeting, suggesting that European leaders should take primary responsibility for their security. Trump's position implies that Europe may soon be on its own. In a February 12 phone call, Trump expressed support for an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful settlement, while Putin emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict.

According to the Washington Post, the recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has caused significant global political unrest. On February 12, the leaders discussed the prospects for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Trump called for an immediate end to military activities and a peaceful resolution, while Putin emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict and agreed that a long-term solution could be achieved through peace talks. Washington's resistance to Ukraine's NATO membership has disrupted European officials' plans, with Europe and Ukraine concerned about potential concessions by Trump to Russia.

Hamas has announced the release of Alexander Troufanov, a Russian-Israeli hostage, on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel, as part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which includes the release of three hostages. Israel has threatened to resume bombing if the hostages are not released on time, following Hamas's postponement due to alleged Israeli ceasefire violations. Since the ceasefire began on January 19, 16 Israeli and five Thai hostages have been released in exchange for 566 prisoners. The first phase aims to free 33 hostages for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The conflict was triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in about 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Over 48,230 people have been killed in Gaza by Israeli offensives since then. The ceasefire has been strained by reciprocal accusations of violations, with mediation by the US, Egypt, and Qatar preventing collapse. Israel is infuriated by the public display of hostage releases, while Hamas accuses Israel of blocking tents and aid lorries from entering Gaza.

Israel anticipates Hamas to provide a list of three hostages to be released on Saturday. Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is expected to send the list to David Barnea, head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency. If the hostages are freed over the weekend, the truce-threatening crisis will be resolved. On February 10, Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Hamas' military faction Al-Qassam Brigades, announced a postponement in the release of the next batch of hostages scheduled for February 15, citing Israeli violations of the agreement. On February 11, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of renewed military action in Gaza if Hamas did not release the Israeli hostages by noon on February 15. On February 13, Hamas confirmed compliance with the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. On January 15, Qatari Prime Minister stated that thanks to the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, which entered into force on January 19 and involves three phases, with Hamas releasing 33 hostages in the first phase.

Hamas announced on the 13th that it will release the next batch of Israeli detainees as scheduled on the 15th. Previously, Hamas postponed the release due to Israel's failure to fulfill ceasefire agreement terms. Hamas delegations met with Egyptian and Qatari officials in Cairo to ensure supplies enter Gaza. On January 15, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement, under which Hamas is to release 33 Israeli detainees. Currently, Hamas still holds 73 Israeli detainees. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to resume intense fighting, and the U.S. warned to cancel the ceasefire if Hamas does not release all detainees by noon on the 15th. Gaza residents hope for a sustained ceasefire, but the second phase of negotiations has not started, and Trump's recent comments about 'emptying' and 'taking over' Gaza add more uncertainty.

On February 14, local time, Munich police in Germany reported that a car attack on the previous day resulted in 36 injuries, with 8 severely wounded and a 2-year-old girl in critical condition. The suspect has been interrogated and confessed to deliberately driving into the crowd for religious motives. The police stated that the suspect acted alone and there is no evidence linking him to extremist religious groups. The incident occurred when the car rammed into a crowd on strike in central Munich.

On the 13th local time, a car rammed into a crowd on strike in central Munich, Germany, injuring 28 people. The perpetrator has been arrested and the incident is suspected to be a terrorist attack. The suspect, an Afghan refugee with a criminal record but not on any extremist list, was previously flagged for deportation. The Chinese Consulate General in Munich confirmed no Chinese citizens or ethnic Chinese were injured. Bavarian State Governor Söder and Interior Minister Herrmann briefed the media at the scene.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a Russian drone attack struck the radiation shelter protecting Chernobyl's damaged nuclear reactor, causing a fire that has since been extinguished. As of Friday morning, radiation levels inside and outside Chernobyl remain normal and stable, according to the UN's nuclear watchdog, the IAEA. Russia has denied the attack, while the IAEA reported no casualties but remains on high alert. Zelensky posted footage showing damage to the protective shield, with experts noting the inner concrete layer remains secure. Zelensky claimed the attack indicates Putin is not preparing for negotiations and will meet US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The incident follows increased military activity around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the IAEA said.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky claimed that facilities at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant were attacked by Russian drones. Russian President's press secretary Dmitry Peskov denied this on the 14th, stating that the Russian military did not conduct such attacks. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported an explosion and fire at the plant's 'New Safe Confinement' facility on the same day, caused by a drone collision. Zelensky attributed the attack to Russia, noting damage to the confinement facility, but the fire has been extinguished and radiation levels have not increased.

Russian President's Press Secretary Peskov denied on the 14th that Russian forces attacked the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, calling the accusations provocative and a distortion of facts. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova also stated it was a provocation planned by Ukraine. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that its team at the plant heard explosions, but radiation levels remained normal. Ukrainian President Zelensky claimed the attack was carried out by Russia, with the drone carrying high explosives, damaging the containment facility.

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis, 88, will be admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital for treatment and tests due to bronchitis symptoms. The Pope has been experiencing bronchitis symptoms for several days and has delegated others to read his prepared speeches. On Wednesday, he asked a priest to read part of his speech due to difficulties caused by the illness. Last week, he attempted to rest and recover at his Vatican residence but saw no improvement. In March 2023, the Pope was treated for bronchitis at the same hospital for three nights. In December of the same year, he canceled a trip to the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 climate summit due to another illness episode.

Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized on the morning of February 14 for tests and ongoing treatment of bronchitis at Rome's Policlinico Agostino Gemelli. Since becoming Pope in 2013, Francis has experienced influenza and other health issues multiple times over the past two years. Earlier this month, he mentioned suffering from a 'strong cold,' later confirmed by the Vatican as bronchitis. Despite his illness, he has maintained his daily schedule, including a meeting with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico before his hospitalization. Recently, he suffered two falls at his Vatican residence, injuring his chin in December and his arm in January. In June 2023, Francis spent nine days at the same hospital for abdominal hernia surgery.

On February 12, 2025, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan criticized the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump for making 'wrong calculations' regarding the Middle East during a press conference with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. He denounced the U.S. plan to relocate over 2 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, claim U.S. control over it, and transform it into the 'Riviera of the Middle East'. Turkey has also accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and called for international measures against its government. Erdogan stated that the United States is disregarding the region's history, values, and accumulation, and expressed his expectation for Trump to fulfill his election campaign promises of promoting peace rather than creating new conflicts. Despite a truce agreement between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, he saw no real signs of a ceasefire in Gaza and noted that the Muslim world has yet to take a collective step on the issue.

US Vice President Vans warned that if Russia refuses to reach a peace agreement with Ukraine, the US will impose sanctions and may take military action. President Trump plans to negotiate with President Putin to end the Russia-Ukraine war, but believes Ukraine's NATO membership is unrealistic. Ukraine and European allies insist on participating in negotiations. President Zelensky met with Vans at the Munich Security Conference, demanding a 'stop Putin' plan. The US and Ukraine may reach a mineral agreement to compensate for US aid. US Defense Secretary Hergeses urged Europe to take more responsibility for its defense.

In Chornobyl, Ukraine, a Russian drone attack severely damaged the confinement structure around the disused Chornobyl nuclear power plant, designed to prevent the release of nuclear substances. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the International Atomic Energy Agency had previously reported that radiation levels remained normal at the plant. Oleksandr Tytarchuk, the plant's chief engineer, stated that the barrier intended to prevent the spread of radioactive substances had ceased to function as originally designed, but efforts would be made to minimize the consequences. The drone pierced the outer cover of the containment vessel and exploded inside. The containment vessel, completed in 2019, covers the hastily erected structure following the 1986 explosion. Emergency crews are addressing a large hole in the structure, ensuring no one is exposed to radiation.

23-year-old Venezuelan kayaker Adrián Simancas was paddling in the Strait of Magellan off Chile's coast when he was suddenly engulfed by a humpback whale. He felt a slimy texture and saw only dark blue and white before the whale spat him out. His father, Dall, captured the incident on video. Experts explain that humpback whales have narrow throats, making it impossible to swallow large objects. The encounter serves as a reminder to be cautious when kayaking in whale-inhabited areas.

On February 8, near the Magellan Strait in Patagonia, Chile, kayaker Adrian Simek was swallowed by a humpback whale and released a few seconds later. The incident was captured on video by his father, Dale Simek, and quickly gained widespread attention. Adrian later recounted his initial belief that he would die, fearing for his father's safety and the risk of hypothermia. Despite the shock, both safely returned to shore. The Magellan Strait, a major tourist attraction in Chile, experiences low temperatures, and while whale attacks on humans are extremely rare, there has been an increase in whale deaths due to collisions with cargo ships in recent years.

On February 14, the White House announced an indefinite ban on Associated Press (AP) reporters from entering the Oval Office and Air Force One. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich stated that the decision was due to AP's disregard for the official name change of 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of the United States.' Budowich noted that while AP's reporting is protected by the First Amendment, it does not grant them unrestricted access to specific locations. Previously, President Trump signed an executive order renaming the 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of the United States,' leading to AP being frequently barred from White House events for refusing to comply. Mexican President Xinbaum has opposed the name change, stating that 'Gulf of Mexico' has already been recognized by the United Nations.

A fire broke out at the construction site of a Banyan Tree Hotel in Busan, South Korea, on the morning of February 14, resulting in at least six deaths and 25 injuries. The blaze occurred around 10:50 a.m. local time, with approximately 100 workers present at the site. Most of the injured were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation. Fire Chief Hong Moon-sik stated that the fire is believed to have originated from insulation materials stored near the hotel's first-floor pool. The hotel, which began construction in April 2022, was scheduled to open in May this year.

On February 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the dismissal of the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams during a press conference in Washington, D.C. The move followed the resignation of seven federal prosecutors who protested the DOJ's directive to drop the case. The DOJ requested Manhattan federal court Judge Dale Ho to dismiss the case without prejudice, retaining the right to refile charges against Adams in the future. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove concluded that prosecuting Adams would hinder his governance in New York City, posing unacceptable risks to public safety and national security. The court filing also cited concerns about the appearance of impropriety and potential interference with New York's primary and mayoral elections this year. The ability to refile charges has raised concerns that President Donald Trump could leverage Adams to support his policies. Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon resigned in protest, followed by other prosecutors, including Hagan Scotten, who criticized Bove's rationale for the dismissal. Bove's controversial order led to multiple resignations, including that of the acting chief of the Public Integrity Section, John Keller, and other senior prosecutors.

On February 15, 2024, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) reported the detection of toxic agents in new samples taken in Ukraine. According to the expert report, chlorobenzalmalononitrile, or CS, was allegedly used on the combat engagement line in Ukraine's Dnepropetrovsk Region in October 2024. The findings are based on various documents, witness testimonies, and nine samples collected by the Ukrainian side at the site. This marks the OPCW's second report on the situation in Ukraine, following the first released in November 2024, which alleged a CS incident on September 20, 2024, near the village of Ilyinka in the Dnepropetrovsk Region. CS, a non-lethal tear gas used for riot control, is banned for use in warfare under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Commenting on the first report, Russian Ambassador to The Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the OPCW, Vladimir Tarabrin, criticized the report's methodology, comparing it to the one used in Syria and questioning the reliability of the evidence and witness testimonies.

OpenAI has officially rejected Elon Musk's $97.4 billion proposal to buy its nonprofit parent. In a letter to Musk's lawyer, OpenAI's attorney William Savitt stated that the board unanimously determined the proposal is not in the best interest of OpenAI's mission. OpenAI Chairman Bret Taylor declared the company is not for sale. On Monday, it was revealed that Musk was leading a group of investors offering to buy OpenAI. CEO Sam Altman responded on X, saying they would buy X (formerly Twitter) for $9.74 billion instead. The feud between Musk and Altman dates back to 2015 when they co-founded OpenAI. Microsoft has invested billions in OpenAI, and SoftBank is close to a $40 billion investment. Musk is suing OpenAI for breach of contract and attempting to block its transition to a for-profit entity.

On February 14th, CCTV reporters learned that the board of OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, unanimously rejected Elon Musk's offer to acquire the company's assets for $97.4 billion. On February 10th, a consortium led by Musk made a $97.4 billion bid to gain control of OpenAI. Musk's lawyer, Mark Tobeyrov, stated that the acquisition offer had been submitted to the OpenAI board. On February 11th, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that Musk's proposal to acquire OpenAI was 'too absurd' and that the company would not be sold.

The U.S. Commerce Department reported on Friday that retail sales fell by 0.9% in January, significantly exceeding the expected 0.2% decline. December's figures were revised upwards to a 0.7% increase. Excluding autos, retail sales dropped by 0.4%, below the consensus forecast of a 0.3% rise. A key indicator for GDP, the 'control' measure, decreased by 0.8%. Consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, suggests a potential slowdown in first-quarter growth. Sales at sporting goods, music, and book stores plummeted by 4.6%, online sales declined by 1.9%, and spending on motor vehicles and parts fell by 2.8%. Stock market futures remained slightly negative, and Treasury yields declined, with traders betting on another Federal Reserve rate cut as soon as June. Robert Frick, an economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, attributed some of the drop to bad weather and volatile auto sales, noting that overall consumer spending remains solid. The Consumer Price Index rose by 0.5% in January, indicating a 3% annual inflation rate, while the Producer Price Index showed some softening in key inputs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that import prices increased by 0.3% in January, in line with expectations, and rose 1.9% year-over-year. Fuel prices surged by 3.2%, the largest gain since April 2024, and export prices rose by 1.3%.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on February 14 at the Munich Security Conference that he wants to agree on an approach with allies before confronting Russia. Zelensky emphasized that he does not want to be remembered as the person who helped Vladimir Putin occupy Ukraine. Under pressure from the Trump administration to negotiate with Russia, Zelensky seeks security guarantees from allies first. Both European officials and Kyiv assert that peace talks without Ukraine and Europe are impossible. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted the absurdity of negotiating with Putin while providing guarantees against him. Despite Trump's rush to end the war, Republican senators backed Zelensky, stressing that the US will not abandon Ukraine.

On February 8, demonstrators gathered at Seattle Children's Hospital in Seattle, Washington, to support transgender youth. US President Donald Trump's transgender policy, which began with a Day One executive order, has now affected the US National Park Service website by removing the word 'transgender' from the Stonewall National Monument page. The monument commemorates the Stonewall Inn, where a 1969 police raid sparked the LGBTQ rights movement. While other Trump measures have real-world implications for transgender Americans in the military, healthcare, and sports, the symbolic act of deleting 'transgender' was seen as an attempt to erase them. The monument's website was initially altered on February 13 to exclude the letter T, later removing Q and +, leaving the acronym as LGB. Activist Stacy Lentz and transgender activist Raquel Willis strongly opposed this move. Trump's initial executive order, signed on his first day, faced legal challenges, and a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 40% of Americans support barring transgender people from the military.

On November 19, 2024, tech billionaire Elon Musk expanded his influence over more than a dozen U.S. federal agencies, causing frustration among some top aides to President Donald Trump. Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles, and her team felt out of the loop as Musk's Department of Government Efficiency aimed to fire thousands of federal workers and access sensitive data. Wiles recently spoke with Musk, demanding better coordination. Despite Musk projecting alignment with Trump's team during a White House press briefing, underlying tensions remained. Trump later issued an executive order expanding Musk's power over federal agencies. The secretive operations of Musk's department have stunned federal employees. Wiles expressed dissatisfaction with Musk's approach, not his goals, urging more orderly operations from his team.

On March 13, President Donald Trump announced the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners. On March 14, the European Union issued a statement condemning the move as a disruption to free trade rules and vowed a strong response. The statement highlighted that tariffs increase business costs, suppress economic growth, and exacerbate inflation, undermining global market efficiency. The EU emphasized its long-standing efforts to reduce trade barriers and pledged to swiftly address unreasonable trade barriers. Trump signed a memorandum directing the determination of reciprocal tariffs for each country but did not specify the timing of implementation. Previously, Trump announced a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum, drawing opposition from allies like Canada, Germany, and Japan, who argue it will undermine the multilateral trading system.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memo on February 13, requiring the determination of reciprocal tariffs with each trading partner. Previously, Trump had announced tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China, and plans to impose a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum starting March 12. Reciprocal tariffs are the third step in Trump's trade war, aimed at combating unequal trade practices and reviving U.S. manufacturing. Trump stated that the U.S. will levy the same tariffs on imported goods as those imposed by other countries on U.S. goods. Experts note that Trump can impose tariffs up to 50% under the 1930 Trade Act. This move is expected to impact India, Argentina, and regions in Africa and Southeast Asia. Trump has previously granted tariff exemptions to some countries through negotiations, but his policy in the second term may be tougher.

US President Donald Trump signed a memo on March 13, requiring the determination of 'reciprocal tariffs' with each trading partner. The research is to be completed by April 1, with priority given to countries with high trade surpluses with the US. This move has caused international uproar, seen as a fundamental change in US trade policy. The EU, India, and Japan have indicated they will negotiate with the US. The US cited examples of unfair treatment, such as Brazil's 18% tariff on US ethanol, while the US only imposes 2.5%. Experts believe this violates WTO rules and brings uncertainty to the global economy.

On February 13, 2025, the Trump administration began a mass firing of federal workers. Officials from the Office of Personnel Management met with agency leaders and advised them to dismiss probationary employees, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of people. The OPM stated that the move supports the President's efforts to restructure and streamline the federal government. The American Federation of Government Employees condemned the action, calling it a politically driven mass firing spree. The Department of Veterans Affairs announced the dismissal of over 1,000 employees, while the Education Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development also began terminating probationary staff. The U.S. Forest Service plans to terminate at least 3,400 people. Previously, about 75,000 federal employees accepted the White House's 'deferred resignation' offer.

President Trump's administrative efficiency advisor, Musk, is accelerating the reduction of US federal agency personnel. Reports indicate that the US Department of Veterans Affairs has fired over 1,000 probationary employees, and the US Forest Service plans to lay off more than 3,000 staff. Within 48 hours, dismissal emails were sent to employees in various departments, mostly new hires still on probation. Fourteen states filed a federal lawsuit in Washington, accusing Trump of illegally appointing Musk. Arizona's Attorney General stated that Musk and others accessed Treasury Department databases without authorization, raising security concerns. Two Democratic employees sued the Trump administration after being fired. Trump directed federal agencies to collaborate with Musk on layoffs and asked embassies to prepare reduction lists.

On February 12, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation discussing the situation in Ukraine. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the dialogue could lead to lasting peace in Ukraine. Trump expressed support for an early cessation of hostilities and a peaceful settlement, while Putin emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict. Trump later posted on social media that immediate negotiations on the Ukrainian conflict would commence between Moscow and Washington. Hegseth, speaking at a NATO meeting in Brussels, noted that a return to Ukraine's 2014 borders was unrealistic and ruled out the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO.

According to AFP and other media reports on the 13th, a car rammed into a crowd in Munich, Germany. The police stated that several people were injured in the incident. Currently, the police are investigating the cause of the accident and taking appropriate measures. The exact number of injured and details of the incident have not been fully disclosed.

On February 13th local time, a car rammed into a crowd of protesters in central Munich, Germany, injuring at least 15 people. Munich police quickly responded and the driver has been detained. The specific cause of the incident is still under investigation, as reported by CCTV journalist Tao Ye.

Munich Police reported on the 13th that a car rammed into a crowd, injuring several people. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the incident and have launched a rescue operation. The exact number of injured and their conditions have not been disclosed. The event has garnered widespread attention from local residents and tourists.

Chinese businesses are rapidly adopting DeepSeek's latest artificial intelligence model to enhance productivity. The model has recently gained global attention, claiming to be more cost-effective than OpenAI's ChatGPT, despite U.S. restrictions on China's access to advanced semiconductors needed for its development. A wide range of companies, including automaker BYD, at least nine financial securities firms, three state-owned telecommunications operators, and smartphone brand Honor, have integrated DeepSeek within the last week. Cloud computing giants Alibaba, Huawei, Tencent, and Baidu have also provided access to DeepSeek's latest model. Wei Sun, principal analyst at Counterpoint Research, described this adoption rate as unprecedented, highlighting its significant social and economic impact. UBS data shows that AI-related Chinese stocks have risen by 15% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the broader MSCI China Index by 9%. DeepSeek's affordability and open-source nature have made it highly attractive, driving the widespread adoption of AI technology.

On February 12, 2025, coalition talks between Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) and the People's Party (OVP) collapsed in Vienna. President Alexander Van der Bellen subsequently sought to form a centrist coalition excluding the FPO. Despite winning 29% in parliamentary elections, the FPO failed to form a government, marking the longest period to form an Austrian government since World War Two. Van der Bellen is set to meet with all party leaders on February 13, except the FPO. Amid economic pressures, all parties agree on the need to quickly reduce the budget deficit, with the Social Democrats (SPO) and NEOS open to renewed talks with the OVP.

On December 26, 2024, Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan announced the termination of merger talks, ending speculation over a $60-billion deal that was intended to create the world's third-largest auto company by sales. Various options were considered, including a proposal by Honda to change the merger structure to make Honda the parent company and Nissan a subsidiary through a share exchange. The companies stated they will continue to collaborate within a strategic partnership aimed at the era of intelligent and electrified vehicles. Previously, Reuters reported that Nissan seemed likely to step back from the talks. Honda's shares rose 2.14% on the day, while Nissan's stock fell 0.34%. The merger fell apart due to Nissan's 'pride and denial' and its refusal to close factories, with Honda's push to make Nissan a subsidiary further complicating the deal. In December, the two companies began merger discussions aimed at concluding by June. Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe had said the deal aimed to share intelligence and resources, achieving economies of scale and synergies. On December 18, Nissan's shares surged 24% on merger reports, marking the stock's best day since at least 1985. The merger was announced a month after Nissan posted disappointing second-quarter results and revealed plans to cut 9,000 jobs and reduce global production capacity by a fifth. Separately, Honda reported its third-quarter results with revenue of 5.53 trillion yen ($36.4 billion), up 1.4% year-on-year, and operating profit rising to 397.8 billion yen, a 4.6% increase from the same period last year.

Afghanistan's interim government officials confirmed on the 13th that a suicide attack occurred at the Kabul Urban Development and Housing Ministry building, resulting in one death and three injuries. The attacker, intercepted by security personnel while attempting to enter the building, detonated the bomb. The attacker's identity remains unknown, and no group or individual has claimed responsibility. On the 11th of this month, an explosion at Kabul Bank in Kunduz city, northern Afghanistan, killed five and injured seven.

On February 13, the Australian Department of Defence claimed that an Australian Royal Air Force patrol aircraft had an 'unsafe' interaction with a PLA fighter jet in the South China Sea. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded that the Australian aircraft intruded into China's Xisha Islands airspace without permission, and China's eviction measures were legal and justified. Military experts stated that the PLA's actions were professional and restrained, and any provocative behavior would be countered. The Australian statement said the incident occurred on February 11 and their aircraft was undamaged. China has lodged a stern protest with Australia, demanding an end to侵权挑衅. Experts pointed out that Australia's actions violated international law, and China's measures were lawful and reasonable.

Friedrich Merz, the conservative candidate for chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), told the Wall Street Journal that Elon Musk will face consequences for interfering in Germany's election campaign. Merz emphasized that the actions during the campaign cannot go unchallenged and may result in political or legal responses. Musk has repeatedly criticized incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz and supported the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of the elections scheduled for February 23.

On February 13, the Moldovan Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador to Chisinau Oleg Ozerov in response to two drones flying into the south of Moldova from Ukraine. The incidents pose a serious threat to citizen security and regional stability. No casualties were reported from the drone crashes, but Moldova deems such airspace violations unacceptable. Police are investigating the sites, which contained no explosives. The incident suspended the Reni-Giurgiulesti checkpoint for 2.5 hours, with all staff evacuated. Last year, five single-engine plywood aircraft fell in Moldova, also without explosives.

On February 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's website published a decree imposing sanctions on former President Petro Poroshenko and Viktor Medvedchuk, leader of the Other Ukraine movement. Both face indefinite sanctions, including asset freezes, bans on land acquisition, and 17 other restrictive measures. Additionally, businessmen Igor Kolomoisky, Konstantin Zhevago, and former Privatbank shareholder Gennady Bogolyubov were also sanctioned. These three have previously faced persecution in Ukraine, with Kolomoisky incarcerated since 2023. The decree's publication date coincides with Kolomoisky's birthday, who had supported Zelensky's presidential bid in 2019.

On February 13th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree imposing sanctions on Viktor Medvedchuk, Petro Poroshenko, Ihor Kolomoyskyi, and others, with the relevant decree published on the presidential website. The sanctions include stripping them of Ukrainian state awards and other honors, as well as asset freezes. Medvedchuk, a key opposition leader, was arrested in April 2022 on treason charges and exchanged back to Russia in September of the same year. Additionally, after the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) began its session on the 13th, members of the European Solidarity party protested the sanctions against former President and party leader Poroshenko, disrupting parliamentary work. The parliament's speaker subsequently announced a recess for the plenary session.

US President Donald Trump stated in a televised address that Ukraine will be involved in peace talks with Russia. He emphasized that Ukraine is part of the negotiations, and besides Ukraine and Russia, many other parties will participate. Trump reiterated that the conflict in Ukraine must come to an end.

On February 13, a car crash into a crowd in Munich, Germany, injured about 28 people, including several children. Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder suggested it might have been an attack. The incident occurred during a union demonstration, when a car suddenly accelerated towards the crowd. Police said the driver, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker with a history of drug and theft offenses, has been arrested, but the motive is believed to be unrelated to the Munich Security Conference. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that the perpetrator must be punished and deported. The 61st Munich Security Conference is set to open on February 14, with the incident site just 1.5 kilometers from the venue.

On February 13, 2025, at least 30 people were injured, some seriously, when a car drove into a crowd in Munich. The driver, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker named Farhad N, was arrested at the scene. Police said counter-terrorism officers are investigating due to the suspect's extremist background. The incident occurred a week before Germany's federal elections and on the eve of the Munich Security Conference. The ramming happened during a transport workers' union rally near Munich's main train station. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene with people seeking shelter. Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann stated the suspect arrived in Germany in 2016 and had his asylum request denied the following year, with a deportation scheduled for autumn 2020. The event has reignited debates on immigration and security ahead of the elections.

On February 13, 2025, Robert F Kennedy Jr was officially sworn in as the US Health and Human Services Secretary. His appointment sparked controversy due to his skepticism towards vaccines and baseless health claims. The Senate confirmed him with a 52-48 vote, with no Democratic support and former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell being the lone Republican to vote against him. Kennedy will oversee key health agencies with about 80,000 employees and a trillion-dollar budget, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A former independent presidential candidate in 2024, he later dropped out and backed Donald Trump. His nomination faced scrutiny over his views on vaccinations and abortion, yet he was confirmed despite the concerns.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal vaccine critic who endorsed President Donald Trump after abandoning his own presidential bid, is on the verge of becoming the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services as the Senate is scheduled to vote on his confirmation on January 30. The Republican majority appears ready to confirm Kennedy, who has pledged to protect existing vaccination programs to secure hesitant lawmakers' votes. If confirmed, he will oversee over $3 trillion in healthcare spending and agencies like the FDA and CDC. Kennedy, 71, has long cast doubts on vaccine safety, drawing opposition from those who deem him unfit for the role. Despite initial resistance, including from his own family, Senate Republicans seem set to support him. Kennedy has committed to maintaining government health agency statements on vaccine safety and to work within existing vaccine systems.

Last weekend, kayaker Adrian Simancas and his father were paddling off the coast of Punta Arenas in southern Chile when a massive humpback whale suddenly scooped him into its mouth. Simancas felt himself being lifted and thought he had been swallowed. Fortunately, the whale quickly spat him out unharmed. His father, Dell Simancas, captured the entire incident on camera, noting a brief moment when he lost sight of his son. Adrian Simancas recounted thinking he was going to die during the ordeal.

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan announced the termination of merger talks but will continue to collaborate in the electric vehicle sector. On February 13, the companies issued a joint statement confirming the end of the memorandum of understanding signed in December last year. The breakdown was due to disagreements, particularly Honda's proposal for Nissan to become its subsidiary. Honda President三部敏宏 and Nissan President内田诚 expressed regret. If the merger had succeeded, it would have created the world's third-largest automaker. Mitsubishi Motors also withdrew from the talks. Nissan expects a net loss of 80 billion yen for the fiscal year and has lowered its revenue forecast, actively seeking new partnerships.

On February 13, 2025, a nationwide strike erupted in Brussels, Belgium, with thousands of people taking to the streets to protest the new government's planned pension reforms. The strike halted all air traffic in the country, resulting in the cancellation of 430 flights at Brussels airport. Protesters carried signs expressing their discontent. The strike was also expected to disrupt public transport and postal services, with firefighters and military personnel joining the protests. The new pension reform benefits those who work past retirement age with 35 years of service but penalizes early retirees without 35 years, being less favorable for lower-income earners compared to the previous system. The reform was proposed by the government of Bart De Wever, which was sworn in on February 3 after forming a five-party coalition including right-wing, centrist, and the socialist party Vooruit.

On February 13, 2025, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his family arrived in Munich, Germany, to attend the international Munich Security Conference. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to meet with Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the conference. Previously, President Donald Trump's call with Vladimir Putin and the announcement of peace talks startled U.S. allies. Zelenskiy has been cautious about Trump's call with Putin and warned leaders against trusting Putin. Vance has previously expressed skepticism about U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump's policy reversal caused unease, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicating Ukraine might need to放弃 certain war aims. On the eve of the conference, Munich experienced a suspected terrorist attack.

Hamas has stated its commitment to implementing the Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel and will continue releasing hostages within the agreed timeframe. Following talks in Cairo, the Palestinian armed group said Egyptian and Qatari mediators had confirmed they would 'remove obstacles' to the deal. There was no immediate response from Israel, but Egyptian and Qatari reports indicated that mediators had bridged the gaps between the two sides, and both were committed to continuing implementation. On Tuesday, Israel warned that the ceasefire would end if Hamas did not return hostages by this Saturday. Hamas had earlier postponed releases, citing Israeli violations, claiming Israel was not allowing in the agreed amounts of vital humanitarian aid, including tents and shelters, which Israel denied. The group's announcement prompted US President Donald Trump to propose that Israel cancel the agreement and 'let hell break out' unless 'all of the hostages' were returned by Saturday.

Two Australian nurses employed at a Sydney hospital have been suspended after a video emerged showing them threatening to kill Israeli patients and boasting about refusing to treat them. Authorities in New South Wales (NSW) are investigating the incident. State Health Minister Ryan Park announced a thorough investigation to ensure no adverse patient outcomes, though a rapid review of hospital records found nothing unusual. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the video as 'sickening and shameful' after it went viral online. This incident follows Australia's recent passage of tougher anti-hate crime laws. NSW Police have identified the individuals in the video and immediately suspended them, promising they will never work in the NSW healthcare system again. The video was shared on TikTok by Israeli content creator Max Veifer.

Greece's parliament has elected former speaker Kostas Tasoulas as the country's new president after four rounds of voting. Tasoulas's candidacy was supported by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The first three rounds, held on January 25, 31, and February 6, were inconclusive. In the first two rounds, a candidate needed two-thirds of the votes (200 out of 300), while in the third round, 180 votes were required. Tasoulas received only 160 votes in the first three rounds. In the fourth round, a candidate is deemed elected with 151 votes, and the ruling New Democracy party, which nominated Tasoulas, holds 156 seats in parliament.

Ukrainian forces conducted a drone attack on Wednesday targeting the city of Enerhodar near the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, according to the Moscow-installed regional governor. The plant's management reported no safety violations, stating that the radiation levels at the site and in the observation area remained normal. The drones struck a car park approximately 300 meters from one of the plant's reactors, Governor Yevgeny Balitsky noted on Telegram. Reuters was unable to independently verify the report, and there was no immediate response from Ukraine. Russian forces seized control of the nuclear plant, Europe's largest, shortly after President Vladimir Putin deployed troops to Ukraine in February 2022. All six reactor units are in a 'cold shutdown' to mitigate the risk of a nuclear accident. Russia and Ukraine frequently accuse each other of shelling the plant and surrounding areas. The U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has permanent monitors at the site and has urged both sides to refrain from attacks. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi warned last week of an increase in attacks on the plant, noting that it is impossible to determine responsibility based on the analysis of drone fragments.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the extension of temporary border controls for six months, informing the European Union, as he aims to demonstrate the government's commitment to combating irregular migration less than two weeks before the February 23 election. Germany reintroduced border checks in September in response to a surge in arrivals, particularly from people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East. The controls mainly target asylum seekers from neighboring EU countries, subject to the EU's Dublin rules for processing asylum applications. Data indicates the effectiveness of these measures, with 47,000 people rejected at borders, a one-third drop in asylum applications in 2024 compared to 2023, and the arrest of 1,900 smugglers. With the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) polling second at around 20% in most surveys, migration remains a top concern for voters ahead of the election.

SoftBank Group reported an unexpected quarterly loss on Wednesday, with its Vision Fund investments turning red. The company's revenue also fell short of analysts' estimates. For the quarter ended December 31, the Vision Fund investments incurred a loss of 352.75 billion yen, reversing gains from the previous two quarters. The broader Vision Fund segment reported a quarterly loss of 309.93 billion yen. SoftBank's Vision Fund 1 saw a 2.8% decline in the fair value of its portfolio companies, while Vision Fund 2's value fell by 3.7%. In recent years, SoftBank has faced challenges with its high-value investments and is now pivoting to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. The company is close to finalizing a $40 billion investment in OpenAI, which would make SoftBank its top backer, surpassing Microsoft. SoftBank has committed to spending $3 billion annually on OpenAI's technology and announced a joint venture to market OpenAI's enterprise tech in Japan. The earnings were reported after the Tokyo stock exchange closed, with SoftBank's shares having gained 45% last year.

On February 11, 2025, U.S. social media company X agreed to pay approximately $10 million to settle a lawsuit by President Donald Trump. Trump had sued Twitter, then known as Twitter, and its then-CEO Jack Dorsey in San Francisco federal court for deplatforming his account following the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, alleging a violation of his First Amendment right to free speech. Trump's attorney, John Kelly, confirmed the settlement. At the time of the settlement, Trump had been awaiting the outcome of an appeal of the dismissal of his lawsuit by a federal district court judge for over a year. Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency, is assisting the Trump administration in cutting federal spending and staffing. Musk, who spent over $250 million to help Trump's re-election, acquired Twitter for $44 billion in October 2022 and subsequently reinstated Trump's account.

On February 11, 2025, Elon Musk met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Members of Musk's government efficiency task force, DOGE, have taken over the offices of top-ranking officials at the Department of Education, rearranging furniture and setting up white noise machines. Acting Education Secretary Denise Carter was seen working outside the main leadership suite, and acting Under Secretary James Bergeron delayed moving into his office due to DOGE's occupation. DOGE representatives occupied the VIP offices on the seventh floor of the agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C., and sought office equipment. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications Madi Biedermann stated that DOGE employees are federal workers focused on making the department more efficient. Trump has repeatedly vowed to dismantle the Department of Education, but this requires congressional approval. The DOGE team has already canceled $881 million worth of contracts, causing internal tensions.

Chevron announced on Wednesday that it will cut 15% to 20% of its workforce as part of a cost reduction plan. The layoffs will commence this year, with the majority completed by the end of 2026. The company aims to reduce costs by $2 billion to $3 billion by the end of next year. As of December 21, 2023, Chevron had 45,600 employees, and a 20% reduction would result in over 9,000 layoffs. Vice Chairman Mark Nelson stated that while these actions are not taken lightly, they are necessary for the company's long-term competitiveness. Chevron's shares fell more than 1% on Wednesday, though they are up over 7% this year. The company missed Wall Street's fourth-quarter earnings expectations, with its fuel business posting a $248 million loss. Its pending $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corp. is also entangled in arbitration with Exxon Mobil, creating uncertainty about the deal's closure. Chevron is currently relocating its corporate headquarters from San Ramon, California, to Houston, Texas.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi announced the cancellation of the scheduled rotation of IAEA inspectors at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in Ukraine on February 12 due to intense military activity. Despite written assurances from both sides that the rotation could proceed safely, the situation proved too dangerous, leading to the mission's abortion. Grossi emphasized that the disruption was completely unacceptable as it jeopardized the safety of the staff. The IAEA is actively consulting with both Moscow and Kiev to ensure the safety of its inspectors and maintain their presence at the ZNPP to continue their crucial mission in nuclear safety and security.

Two British nationals, a man and a woman, have been detained in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman on security-related charges. Iran's state media published blurred images of the pair meeting with the British ambassador but did not identify them. The exact date of their detention remains unclear. British officials have not yet commented on the situation. In recent years, Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards have arrested numerous dual nationals and foreigners, primarily on espionage and security-related charges. Rights groups and some Western countries have accused the Islamic Republic of using security charges to secure concessions from other nations, allegations Tehran denies.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call, agreeing to commence immediate peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. This development has garnered international attention, with various media outlets covering the story. The Daily Mail questions whether a potential peace deal could betray Ukraine. Meanwhile, The Guardian reports on the premature removal of Sir David Amess's killer from the government's Prevent anti-terror program. The Times focuses on the upcoming public inquiry into the Nottingham attacks, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer promising justice, accountability, and transparency.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed during a briefing that Russian national Alexander Vinnik will be released as part of a prisoner exchange with Moscow. Earlier, Vinnik's French lawyer Frederic Belot told TASS that Vinnik would soon be released from Santa Rita jail in the US and sent back to Russia. Vinnik was detained in Greece on July 25, 2017, at the request of the United States, accused of laundering $4-9 billion through the now-defunct crypto exchange BTC-e. He was extradited to the US on August 4, 2022. In exchange, the US received Mark Fogel. Additionally, three people, including a US citizen, were earlier released in Belarus, but the White House could not provide details due to privacy reasons.

On February 10th, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order announcing a 25% tariff on all imported steel and aluminum to the United States,取消ing duty-free quotas and exemptions for some trading partners. The measure will take effect on March 4th. Multiple countries have expressed opposition, with the EU vowing to firmly defend its interests, and strong statements from France, Spain, and Germany. Canada expressed disappointment and vowed a clear and targeted response. The Chinese Foreign Ministry noted that tariff wars have no winners and that protectionism leads nowhere.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on October 10th a 25% tariff on all U.S. imports of steel and aluminum,取消ing duty-free quotas and exemptions for some trading partners. Trump stated that the move aims to help the steel and aluminum industries and lost jobs return to the U.S. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded on October 11th while attending an AI summit in Paris, stating that Canada will highlight the negative impact of the U.S. tariffs and deems them unacceptable. Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry Navdeep Bains called Trump's decision entirely unreasonable, adding that Canada is consulting with international partners and preparing a clear and targeted response.

President Donald Trump has ordered a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminum entering the US, significantly expanding existing trade barriers. Despite warnings of retaliation from political leaders in Canada and other countries, Trump insists the move will boost domestic production. The tariffs, set to take effect on March 12, are expected to impact Canada the most. Canadian Innovation Minister Francois-Phillippe Champagne called the tariffs 'totally unjustified,' while the Canadian steel industry lobby urged immediate retaliation. Market reactions were mixed, with US steel stocks rising but overall market skepticism about Trump's commitment to the plan. In 2018, Trump announced similar tariffs but eventually negotiated exemptions for many countries.

On February 5, 2025, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke at UN headquarters in New York City, urging Hamas to continue with the planned release of hostages. Hamas had announced a halt to the releases due to alleged Israeli violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. An Israeli delegation returned from Doha for talks on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Guterres emphasized that both sides must adhere to the ceasefire agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump demanded that Hamas release all hostages by midday Saturday or he would propose cancelling the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. A senior Hamas official responded that respecting the ceasefire is the only way to bring Israeli prisoners home.

On February 10, US Vice-President J.D. Vance attended the AI Action Summit at the Elysee Palace in Paris. On February 11, he delivered a speech in Paris, emphasizing the Trump administration's goal to make the US the 'gold standard worldwide' for artificial intelligence and warning against regulating political speech. Vance specifically criticized the European Union's tough regulatory approach to social media platforms and AI, accusing it of trying to clamp down on Silicon Valley. He also stated that the AI revolution should not be dominated by large companies seeking to censor or control user thoughts. This trip marks Vance's first major foreign engagement as vice-president, during which he is set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Trump administration has clashed with the EU over tech regulatory policies, with Trump announcing 25% tariffs on global aluminum and steel imports, prompting a countermeasure warning from the EU. Vance pledged to protect US chip technology from misuse by authoritarian regimes or foreign adversaries.

On October 1, 2024, US Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking to Fox News after participating in the Vice Presidential debate at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York, stated that the US will protect its artificial intelligence and chip technologies to prevent their 'weaponization.' At the AI Action Summit in Paris, Vance highlighted that some authoritarian regimes have stolen and used AI to enhance military and surveillance capabilities, and vowed that the US will block such efforts. He also criticized Europe for focusing too much on regulating AI, urging a more proactive embrace of the technology. The EU has recently implemented stringent AI regulations and plans to invest 200 billion euros in AI technologies.

On February 10, 2025, Chinese electric car giant BYD announced the integration of DeepSeek's AI technology into its new driver-assistance system. BYD's shares hit a record high in Hong Kong trading, reaching 345 Hong Kong dollars. Founder Wang Chuanfu stated that advanced smart driving will become a standard safety feature. BYD launched the 'DiPilot' assisted driving system across its range, including a 69,800 yuan low-cost vehicle, making it likely the first in China to offer such advanced features below 70,000 yuan. The DeepSeek integration significantly enhances BYD's technological competitiveness. Over two years ago, Chinese automakers began offering driver-assistance features to stand out in the competitive market. BYD introduced over 20 models with the new tech but did not mention global availability.

On the afternoon of the 10th local time, a collision occurred between two business jets at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, United States, resulting in at least one death and four injuries. A business jet from Austin, Texas, deviated from the runway during landing and collided with another parked business jet. The incident temporarily closed the airport runway, and the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause. Recently, a series of aviation accidents in the U.S. have raised public concerns about flight safety. On January 29, January 31, and February 6, three severe accidents occurred, claiming a total of 84 lives. The shortage of air traffic controllers is also considered a contributing factor to the frequent accidents.

At 2:39 PM on February 10, two planes collided on the runway at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, USA, resulting in one death and four injuries. A Learjet medium-sized business jet flying from Austin, Texas, experienced a failure in its left main landing gear during landing and skidded off the runway, crashing into a parked Gulfstream 200 business jet. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the accident. Recently, the US has seen a series of aviation incidents: on January 29, a passenger jet collided with a military helicopter at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., killing all on board; on January 31, a small medical plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Philadelphia, killing six on board and one on the ground; and on February 6, a small passenger plane operated by Bering Air crashed en route from Unalakleet to Nome in Alaska, killing all ten passengers.

A spokesperson for the Kunduz Provincial Police confirmed to Xinhua that a suicide bombing occurred outside the Kabul Bank in Kunduz Province, northern Afghanistan, on the morning of November 11th. The attack has resulted in 5 deaths and 7 injuries. Following the incident, local authorities promptly launched an investigation, with further details still under investigation.

On February 10, a consortium led by Musk proposed to acquire the non-profit entity controlling OpenAI for $97.4 billion, which was immediately rejected by OpenAI CEO Altman. Altman responded on social media platform X, offering to buy Twitter for $9.74 billion, to which Musk replied 'swindler.' The acquisition bid is supported by Musk's xAI, Baron Capital, and Emmanuel Capital, aiming to prevent OpenAI from transitioning into a for-profit company. If successful, xAI could merge with OpenAI. OpenAI was valued at $157 billion in its last funding round, with SoftBank negotiating to lead a new round of funding. Musk and Altman co-founded OpenAI but parted ways in 2018 due to differing visions.

On Tuesday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told CNBC at the AI Action Summit in Paris that Elon Musk's $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI, led by his investor group, aims to 'slow down a competitor.' Altman stated he is not taking the bid particularly seriously. On Monday, Musk's attorney Marc Toberoff submitted the offer, arguing OpenAI should return to its open-source, safety-focused roots. Musk also questioned OpenAI's financial capability to contribute to President Donald Trump's 'Stargate' project, to which Altman retorted that he doesn't merely tweet about securing funding, referencing Musk's controversial 2018 claim about taking Tesla private.

British oil major BP reported a significant drop in fourth-quarter profit due to weaker refining margins, announcing a $1.75 billion share buyback and a commitment to fundamentally reset its strategy. BP's underlying replacement cost profit (RC profit) was $1.169 billion in Q4, a 48% decline from the same period last year and below the analyst forecast of $1.2 billion. The company's net debt reached nearly $23 billion, up 10% year-on-year. Despite this, BP launched a $1.75 billion share buyback with a dividend of $0.08 per share. CEO Murray Auchincloss stated the company plans to reset its strategy to improve performance. BP has underperformed its peers, with its shares falling 9% over the past year, compared to Shell's 6% gain.

Oil giant BP has announced a 'fundamental reset' of its strategy due to a sharp drop in profits last year. BP's net income fell to $8.9 billion in 2024, down from $13.8 billion the previous year. The company is expected to scale back renewable projects and increase oil and gas production later this month. BP's 2030 target of 50GW renewable generation capacity, set five years ago, is likely to be abandoned. In December, BP transferred the majority of its offshore wind assets to a joint venture with Japanese company Jera. Activist shareholder Elliot Management has acquired a stake in BP to push for more investment in oil and gas. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has expressed support for fossil fuels and vowed to withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement.

Hamas issued a statement on its Telegram channel blaming Israel for failing to fulfill its commitments under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, leading to implementation issues. Hamas stated it would continue to implement the Egypt-, Qatar-, and US-mediated deal as long as the other party meets its obligations. Despite rejecting US President Donald Trump's statements on taking control of the Gaza Strip and resettling its residents, Hamas still considers the mediators as guarantors of the deal's implementation. Previously, Hamas postponed the release of hostages due to Israel's ceasefire violations. Trump demanded the release of all hostages by February 15, threatening unspecified actions otherwise. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israel Defense Forces would resume military operations if hostages are not released by the deadline.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with The Guardian published on February 11 that Ukraine is willing to swap territory with Russia in potential peace negotiations, including land seized in Russia's Kursk region six months ago. He emphasized that Europe alone cannot support Ukraine's war effort without American involvement. Zelensky is set to meet US Vice-President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference on February 14. President Trump seeks a deal between the two sides, but Ukraine fears any settlement lacking strong military commitments will allow Russia to regroup. Zelensky also offered lucrative reconstruction contracts to US companies to garner support, highlighting Ukraine's significant mineral reserves and the risk of them falling into Russian hands.

Media reports indicated that US President Donald Trump planned to negotiate a $500-million deal with Ukraine to secure access to rare earth metals and gas in exchange for security guarantees as part of any potential peace settlement. Trump announced he would send Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Ukraine to meet with President Vladimir Zelensky. Trump wrote on his social media page that the war must and will end soon. Earlier, The New York Post reported on this deal. Zelensky later admitted that the rare earth minerals Ukraine offered to the US are in territories no longer controlled by the Kiev government. In an interview with Reuters, Zelensky said he was ready to sign a deal, offering his country’s mineral resources and underground gas storages in exchange for security guarantees.

On February 3, 2025, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke at the White House. President Donald Trump announced that Bessent will travel to Ukraine to discuss the war with Russia. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Bessent will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to explore pathways to ending the conflict. Trump emphasized the urgency of ending the war, noting the U.S. has spent billions globally. Previous reports suggested discussions might involve the U.S. gaining access to Ukraine's mineral reserves in exchange for continued aid. Trump has expressed a desire for $500 billion worth of rare earth from Ukraine, to which Zelenskyy has shown openness. Trump's election victory has cast uncertainty over U.S. support for Ukraine, with threats of new sanctions on Russia if the war does not end. Bessent, confirmed as Treasury Secretary last month, previously criticized the Biden administration's sanctions on Russia as insufficient.

According to media reports, the United States and the United Kingdom were not among the signatories of the final declaration of the Paris AI Action Summit. The declaration, signed by 61 countries including China, France, and India, calls for ensuring that artificial intelligence is open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy. It also emphasizes greater cooperation in AI governance, fostering a global dialogue, and warns against market concentration risks. The summit is taking place at the Grand Palais exhibition complex in Paris, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Organizers say one of its goals is to establish a foundation to harness AI's power for the benefit of society, expecting to raise over 2.5 billion euros in the next five years.

On October 10, Zhang Guoqing, special representative of President Xi Jinping, attended the AI Action Summit in Paris and delivered a speech. The event drew 1,500 participants from over 100 countries, with China's DeepSeek company garnering significant attention. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €200 billion fund to boost European AI development, while French President Emmanuel Macron indicated a relaxation of AI regulations. Sixty-one countries signed the 'Declaration on the Development of Inclusive and Sustainable AI for Humanity and the Earth,' but the US and UK refused to sign. The summit, co-hosted by France and India, aims to promote global AI governance.

On February 11, 2025, former Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales testified in court that he was 'absolutely sure' he had Jenni Hermoso's consent before kissing her during the 2023 Women's World Cup final medal ceremony in Australia. Rubiales is on trial for sexual assault and attempting to coerce Hermoso into publicly stating the kiss was consensual. Hermoso insists she did not give permission, calling the incident a stain on one of her happiest days. The event sparked widespread protests, leading to Rubiales's resignation in September 2023. Three former colleagues are also on trial for allegedly pressuring Hermoso. Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year jail term for Rubiales, with the trial set to conclude on February 19.

CGTN reporter learned that on February 11 local time, an explosion occurred near an airport in Texas, United States. The explosion resulted in at least 4 injuries. Currently, the specific cause of the explosion is under investigation. The injured have been rushed to the hospital for treatment. Local police and fire departments have swiftly responded to the scene for handling the situation.

A female teacher suffering from depression in Daejeon, South Korea, stabbed an 8-year-old girl, Kim Hana, to death on a school campus on Monday, shocking the nation. Kim Hana disappeared after leaving her after-school care program at 4:40 PM, and her parents reported her missing at 5:15 PM. Police found the teacher and Kim Hana in a pool of blood in the audio-visual room at 5:45 PM, with the girl succumbing to her injuries. The teacher confessed to the crime and attempted self-harm. She had taken a medical leave for depression in December but returned to work early, experiencing anxiety and irritability. Prior to the incident, she assaulted a colleague, and the school's recommendation for her to take leave was rejected by the education office. Citizens and parents expressed concerns over school safety and management, with the victim's father urging the government to legislate to prevent similar tragedies.

Renowned British-Indian author Sir Salman Rushdie testified in a New York state court about the stabbing attack on stage two years ago, which left him blind in one eye. He recounted thinking he was dying during the assault. The defendant, 27-year-old Hadi Matar, has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and assault. Sir Salman had faced years of threats since the publication of his novel The Satanic Verses in 1988. The attack occurred on August 12, 2022, as he was about to speak at the Chautauqua Institution. He detailed the attack, stating he was stabbed 15 times, with the most severe injury to his eye. His wife, Lady Rushdie, cried in the courtroom as he recounted the incident. Despite reduced threats, the attack shattered his sense of safety.

On November 11, a collision between a train and a truck occurred in Hamburg, Germany, resulting in one death and 16 injuries. Approximately 300 passengers were on the train at the time of the incident. One injured passenger died after being rushed to the hospital, while three others sustained severe injuries. The 34-year-old truck driver was taken into custody by police for questioning and undergo alcohol and drug tests. The train, which was en route from Hamburg to Munich, was evacuated, and the railway section was closed off. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Multiple U.S. media outlets reported that a consortium led by Elon Musk has offered $97.4 billion to acquire OpenAI. Musk's lawyer revealed that an acquisition offer has been submitted, but OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly rejected it. Altman stated that OpenAI's structure ensures no individual can control it and plans to transform it into a for-profit company, investing up to $500 billion through the Star Gate project. Long-standing tensions between Musk and Altman date back to their co-founding of OpenAI in 2015, with Musk suing OpenAI last year for betraying its original mission. OpenAI is currently in new funding negotiations, with its valuation potentially reaching $300 billion. Musk's move is seen as the boldest offensive against OpenAI's transformation.

The top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Dick Durbin, alleged on Tuesday that President Donald Trump's nominee for FBI director, Kash Patel, has been secretly overseeing the ouster of the bureau's leadership before his confirmation. Durbin said he learned of Patel's alleged role in the firings from several whistleblowers and has asked Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz to investigate. Durbin claimed Patel was working with senior White House and Justice Department staffers to oversee the removals. Patel's spokesperson, Erica Knight, called Durbin's claims 'second-hand gossip' on social media. An FBI spokesperson declined to comment, and spokespeople for the White House and Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The committee is set to vote on Patel on Thursday, who testified under oath during his confirmation hearing that he was unaware of any efforts to fire or punish FBI employees. Durbin suggested Patel may have perjured himself if the allegations are true. The day after Patel's hearing, Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove fired eight senior FBI officials and ordered Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll to hand over a list of employees who worked on investigations related to the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack. The demand for the list led two groups of FBI agents to sue the Justice Department to prevent the public release of their names, which they said could put them at risk. The department has since agreed not to release any names and to provide the plaintiffs with at least 48 hours notice if that changes.

Following the United States' announcement last month to withdraw from the World Health Organization, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier stated on February 11 that the organization is struggling to obtain information on avian flu outbreaks in the US. Lindmeier noted that communication challenges exist and traditional contact methods have been cut off. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office, January 20, to withdraw from the WHO. Some countries have expressed concerns that the US might stop reporting relevant information. Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 68 human cases of H5N1 avian flu have been reported in the US since 2024. Currently, no human-to-human transmission has been detected, but the risk of infection is higher for individuals with prolonged exposure to birds, poultry, or cattle.

On February 11, 2025, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader and chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz spoke at the last planned session of the Bundestag in Berlin, promising no collaboration with the far-right ahead of the national elections. Scholz accused Merz of breaking his promise after the Alternative for Germany (AfD) supported his migration and security motion last month, violating a long-standing taboo against cooperation with the far-right. Latest polls show the AfD in second place, ahead of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), with the CDU/CSU bloc poised to win the largest vote share. All parties have ruled out forming a coalition with the AfD, suggesting that government formation talks could drag on after the elections.

On February 11, 2025, Google Maps renamed the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America in its US version, following a longstanding practice of adhering to official government source updates. The Gulf, bordered by the US, Cuba, and Mexico, retains its original name for users in Mexico. The change came after President Donald Trump ordered the renaming in US government documents upon his return to office last month. Mexico opposed the move, arguing the US lacks the legal right to change the Gulf's name. Google made the change based on an update from the Geographic Names Information System, a US government database. Trump also proclaimed February 9 as 'Gulf of America Day.' Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum asked Google to reconsider. The Associated Press, which refused to change the name in its style guide, was barred from covering a White House event.

On February 11, Canada appointed senior intelligence official Kevin Brosseau as the new fentanyl czar to coordinate efforts against fentanyl smuggling, fulfilling a promise made to US President Donald Trump. Trump had threatened to impose tariffs on all imports from Canada unless the government took stronger measures to stop the flow of fentanyl across the border. Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Trump twice, who agreed to pause punitive measures for a month in exchange for several concessions, one of which was appointing the fentanyl czar. Brosseau, a former senior policeman, most recently served as Trudeau's deputy national security and intelligence advisor. Public Safety Minister David McGuinty stated that Canada needs a fentanyl czar to coordinate between agencies, act swiftly to tackle challenges, and work closely with American counterparts to disrupt and dismantle the illegal drug trade crossing the border. White House officials say Canada and Mexico are conduits for small-package shipments of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the US. Public data shows that 0.2% of all fentanyl seized in the US comes from the Canadian border, while the vast majority originates from the southern border.

On February 11th local time, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov announced that the Ukrainian government had approved a plan to recruit and incentivize young Ukrainians aged 18 to 24 to join the military. The plan allows volunteers in this age group to sign one-year contracts. According to Ukrainian media, the contract includes financial and other incentives, such as a reward of 1 million hryvnias (approximately $24,300) and the option to choose their military specialty.

On February 9, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America while flying to New Orleans for the Super Bowl. Subsequently, the White House barred an Associated Press reporter from an Oval Office event for refusing to alter its style on the Gulf's name. Julie Pace, senior vice president and executive editor of the AP, called the move unacceptable and a violation of the First Amendment. Trump had previously announced the name change and signed an executive order. Mexico's president responded sarcastically, while Google Maps adopted the new name and Apple Maps retained the original. The AP stated it would continue using the Gulf of Mexico name but note Trump's renaming decision.

US President Donald Trump's remarks about acquiring control over Denmark's autonomous territory Greenland have sparked controversy. In response, Danes launched an online petition proposing to buy California, which has garnered approximately 199,000 signatures. The petition suggests Trump might be willing to sell California and proposes renaming the California Disneyland to 'Hans Christian Andersen Land'. Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in Greenland and hinted at using military or economic means to seize it. The Danish government announced an investment of about $2 billion to strengthen Arctic and North Atlantic defenses, with the Greenland government supporting the move and insisting that Greenland is 'not for sale'.

Iran warned the United Nations on Tuesday about what it termed as 'reckless and inflammatory statements' by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening the use of force, cautioning that any act of aggression would have severe consequences. In a letter to the U.N. Security Council, Iran's U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani cited Trump's remarks in interviews with the New York Post and Fox News, emphasizing Iran's resolve to defend its sovereignty and national interests. Trump last week reinstated his 'maximum pressure' campaign against Iran, aiming to reduce its oil exports to zero. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian questioned the U.S.'s sincerity, while Iravani accused U.S. policy of escalating hostility against Iran. The U.N. nuclear watchdog chief revealed that Iran is significantly accelerating uranium enrichment to up to 60% purity.

This week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the White House, as India stands as the world's fifth-largest economy. By the end of President Donald Trump's second term, it may rise to the third position. The United States is betting on India's relentless ascent. During Trump's first term, the massive rallies 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump' headlined by the two leaders became a visual symbol of a relationship that many in India hope will further deepen.

On February 10, the United Nations deadline for submitting new carbon emission reduction targets was missed by nearly all nations, with only 10 out of nearly 200 countries required to deliver fresh climate plans under the Paris Agreement doing so on time. Major economies like China, India, and the European Union were among those that failed to meet the deadline. The United States, Britain, and Brazil were the only G-20 economies to submit on time, though the US pledge was largely symbolic. UN climate chief Simon Stiell called for submissions by September to be properly assessed before the UN COP30 climate conference in November. Analysts expect China, the world's largest polluter and renewable energy investor, to unveil its climate plan in the second half of 2025. The slow response has raised concerns about a potential backslide on climate action.

Many of the world's major polluting nations failed to meet a U.N. deadline to set new climate targets. Nearly 200 countries under the Paris Agreement were required to submit new national climate plans by Monday, detailing their emission reduction strategies by 2035. Major polluters like China, India, and the European Union had not done so. Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics, noted that global warming has reached 1.5 degrees Celsius, yet governmental responses have been inadequate. The U.S., Britain, Brazil, Japan, and Canada have announced new plans, but Trump is expected to scrap the U.S.'s contribution. U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell said most countries will still produce their plans this year. The EU and India indicated they will finalize their plans soon, while China stated it will publish its plan in due course.

On February 10, 2025, Kosovo's ruling Vetevendosje party led in the parliamentary election but fell short of an outright majority, with preliminary results showing 41.3% of the vote, down from over 50% in 2021. Prime Minister Albin Kurti is poised to lead the next government, but his policies may exacerbate ethnic tensions in the north. In a speech, Kurti insulted opposition parties, causing controversy. Political analyst Belgzim Kamberi noted that Kurti must form a coalition with the second or third party, or risk the opposition forming the new government. Kosovo faces EU and US economic sanctions due to the situation in the north.

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti has claimed victory for his party in Sunday's parliamentary elections, despite partial results indicating he lacks a majority. Kurti's ruling Vetevendosje party has approximately 41% of the votes with 88% counted, compared to 50% in 2021. He expressed confidence in forming a government. The announcement of official results was delayed due to a failure in the Central Election Commission's counting system. President Vjosa Osmani called on the commission to protect the integrity of the electoral process. The Vetevendosje party is expected to secure over 40 seats in the 120-member parliament. Other parties, including the Democratic Party of Kosovo, the Democratic League of Kosovo, and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, also gained seats. Kurti, who came to power in 2021 with a narrow majority, preemptively stated his coalition would form a third government. His popularity has been boosted by efforts to extend government control over the ethnic-Serb north, but this has antagonized Kosovo's main backers, the EU and the US.

On the 9th local time, the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia) announced their successful connection to the European power grid,脱离ing the joint grid system with Russia and Belarus. This move, primarily driven by security concerns, is seen as a strategic measure to enhance energy security. The disconnection will exert economic pressure on the Baltic States, as they import 31% of their electricity. For Russia, the impact is limited, but the Kaliningrad region will face power supply challenges. Additionally, this move indicates Europe's continued reluctance to engage in economic cooperation with Russia amid the Russia-Ukraine peace talks, with the Baltic States likely to reject collaboration with Russia for an extended period.

A nationwide blackout in Sri Lanka was caused by a monkey that intruded into a power station south of Colombo, contacting a grid transformer and causing a system imbalance. The blackout began at 11:00 local time on Sunday, affecting 22 million people. Power is gradually being restored, with priority given to medical facilities and water purification plants. On social media, people criticized authorities and joked about the incident. Local newspaper Daily Mirror reported that engineers have been warning consecutive governments for years to upgrade the power grid to avoid frequent blackouts. Sri Lanka experienced widespread blackouts during its economic crisis in 2022.

Ukraine's national power grid operator Ukrenergo announced on Monday that it is limiting energy supplies to Ukrainian industry and businesses due to increased consumption during freezing weather and generation shortages following Russian missile strikes. The restrictions will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (0400-0700 GMT), as stated on the Telegram messenger. Temperatures across much of the country plummeted this past weekend to around minus 8 degrees Celsius (17.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Ukrenergo reported a 1.9% rise in Ukrainian power consumption on Monday compared to the previous working day, Friday. Russian forces have consistently targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, including substations and thermal power plants, throughout their three-year invasion.

U.S. President Trump signed a proclamation on Air Force One, declaring February 9 as 'Gulf of America Day'. Trump stated that February 9, 2025, will be the first celebration of this day. He had previously renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America on his inauguration day, January 20. Mexican President Lopez Obrador opposed this, noting that the name Gulf of Mexico has been recognized by the United Nations since the 16th century. The Mexican-American War resulted in Mexico losing significant territory.

According to Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov, Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted an invitation to attend festivities marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow on May 9. Xi also invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate in festivities scheduled for early September in China. Earlier, Kremlin Aide Yury Ushakov stated that China will host events commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War Two.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted Russia's invitation to attend the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany on May 9 in Moscow. Russian Ambassador to China, Mr. Igor Morgulov, confirmed Xi's acceptance. In return, Xi invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to China for the country's commemoration of the end of World War II in September. The Soviet Union lost 27 million people in World War II, ultimately pushing Nazi forces back to Berlin. Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender took effect on May 8, 1945, with the Soviet Union marking May 9 as Victory Day.

According to a report from the Chinese Consulate General in Vladivostok on October 10, the Chinese cargo ship 'An Yang-2' ran aground near Nevelsk Port on Sakhalin Island, Russia, after encountering a severe storm in the early hours of October 9. Currently, the crew members are in good health, and there are no signs of fuel leakage in the stranded area. The shipping company owning the stranded vessel is coordinating with relevant Russian authorities for rescue operations. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

On January 22, 2024, BP's shares surged by 6.29% in early trading following reports that activist investor Elliott Management had acquired a stake in the struggling oil major, potentially pressuring the company to shift its core oil and gas businesses. Neither Elliott Management nor BP commented on the reports, which did not specify the size of the stake held by Paul Singer's hedge fund. BP is set to release its fourth-quarter results on Tuesday and its broader strategy on February 26. Over the past year, BP's shares have fallen by approximately 9%, compared to a 6% gain for Shell. Last month, BP issued a trading update warning of higher costs, lower fourth-quarter refining margins, and one-off charges related to its bio-ethanol acquisition. The company is also seeking buyers for its German refinery assets and announced plans to cut 4,700 jobs to achieve at least $2 billion in cash savings by the end of 2026. RBC analysts suggest Elliott could push for changes in BP's chairperson and a strategic split of its core businesses. CEO Murray Auchincloss is working to boost investor confidence in the $91.87-billion company amid concerns over its strategic direction and challenges in the global green transition.

Global leaders and tech executives gathered at the Grand Palais in Paris on February 10 for a two-day AI Action Summit to discuss safe AI adoption without stifling innovation. OpenAI CEO Altman called for allowing innovation, while Trump's rollback of previous AI regulations increased pressure on Europe to relax controls. The EU's AI Act faces calls for flexible implementation. French President Macron emphasized balancing rules and innovation, announcing a €109 billion investment in AI over the next few years. Chinese firm DeepSeek challenges US leadership in AI. Canadian scientist Bengio warned of AI risks, and labor leaders expressed job concerns. The summit expects 1,500 participants, with multiple countries and companies pledging funds to support AI development.

On February 10, world leaders and technology executives gathered in Paris for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit to discuss how to safely embrace AI amid growing resistance to regulations that businesses claim stifle innovation. Former US President Donald Trump's rollback of previous AI guardrails has pressured the European Union to adopt a lighter-touch approach to keep European firms competitive. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman advocated for allowing innovation. French President Emmanuel Macron hopes for flexibility in the new AI Act. Experts expressed concerns over AI risks, while labor leaders focused on AI's impact on jobs. During the summit, France will announce private sector investments totaling approximately €109 billion.

From February 10 to 11, the AI Action Summit co-hosted by France and India took place in Paris, attended by representatives from over 100 countries and regions. The summit aimed to address key challenges in AI development and deployment, proposing a global AI governance blueprint and ethical principles. French President Macron emphasized the need for strict regulations to prevent AI from becoming uncontrollable, while warning against excessive regulation that could stifle innovation. Around 1,500 guests, including US Vice President Vans, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, and other dignitaries, attended. The summit discussed independent, secure, and environmentally friendly AI services and global governance. France announced it would receive €109 billion in AI investments, striving to become a leader in the AI field.

At approximately 2:45 PM local time on the 10th, two planes collided on the ground runway at an airport in Arizona, United States, resulting in at least one fatality. Emergency responders have promptly arrived at the scene. The airport's runway has been closed for safety reasons. The specific cause of the accident is under investigation.

US President Trump hinted that the Government Efficiency Department led by Elon Musk discovered potential misconduct in the Treasury Department's data, which might allow the US to avoid certain payments. On February 9, while on Air Force One, Trump mentioned this to reporters without providing details. Musk's previous focus was on government payments to contractors and grant recipients. Last week, a federal judge temporarily revoked the Efficiency Department's access to the Treasury's payment system. Trump plans to direct Musk to review the Education and Defense Departments' expenditures, emphasizing the need to uncover billions in fraud and misuse. House Speaker Johnson described Musk as an 'external auditor' uncovering incredible public fund abuses.

A monkey intruded into a power station in the southern suburbs of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, causing a nationwide blackout. Local media outlet Ceylonwire reported on October 10 that the incident occurred around 11:30 AM on the 9th. Initially thought to be a technical fault, it was later confirmed by Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera that the monkey touched a grid transformer, causing a system imbalance. The blackout affected multiple regions, with some areas gradually restoring power after five to six hours. Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported that Sri Lanka has experienced several nationwide blackouts in recent years due to power station issues.

The United Nations has suspended all operations in Yemen's Sa'ada region following the detention of more U.N. staff by the Houthi authorities. Deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq stated that this temporary measure aims to balance the need to stay and deliver with ensuring the safety and security of U.N. personnel. The pause is intended to facilitate the release of arbitrarily detained U.N. staff and ensure conditions for critical humanitarian support. The Iran-aligned Houthis, who have controlled most of Yemen including the capital Sanaa since 2014 and early 2015, have detained dozens of U.N. staff since 2021, with 24 currently in detention.

President Donald Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship in the US has sparked several legal challenges and anxiety among immigrant families. The move aims to prevent children of illegal immigrants and those on temporary visas from obtaining citizenship. A poll by Emerson College indicates that more Americans support Trump on this issue. Globally, birthright citizenship is not the norm, with the US being one of the few countries that grant it automatically. In recent years, several nations have revised their citizenship laws due to immigration and identity concerns. Trump's order faces legal scrutiny, with cases currently being reviewed by the courts.

A coalition of U.S. refugee supporters filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Washington State on Monday, challenging President Donald Trump's indefinite suspension of the U.S. refugee resettlement program. The lawsuit argues that refugees and their families face irreparable harm if the suspension remains in effect, and that Trump exceeded his executive authority by abruptly shutting down the program and freezing funds for refugees already in the U.S. The suspension resulted in the cancellation of travel plans for refugees worldwide, including 1,660 Afghans cleared for resettlement. Nine refugees and their U.S.-based family members, including a family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, joined the lawsuit, along with three pro-refugee organizations: HIAS, Church World Service, and Lutheran Community Services Northwest. The State Department has not yet commented on the lawsuit.

According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the Milan Prosecutor's Office has noted a rise in AI-driven scams targeting top Italian tycoons. Scammers use AI voice systems to mimic Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and his staff,诱导ing wealthy individuals to transfer funds to overseas accounts. Figures like Prada CEO Patrizio Bertelli and former Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti have been targeted, with Moratti confirming a transfer of over €1 million to a specified account. The scammers use AI to convincingly replicate voices, demanding victims pay ransoms. Crosetto has warned the public to be vigilant. The number and financial impact of cyber scams in Italy are on the rise, with losses exceeding €100 million in the first half of 2024 alone. The government is actively implementing measures to combat cybercrime.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that special envoy Richard Grenell will serve as the interim executive director of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. On Friday, Trump terminated multiple members of the center's board of trustees, including chairman David Rubenstein, and named himself as chairman, promising to soon announce a new board. Trump criticized the center for hosting 'Drag Shows' targeting youth and vowed to end such 'anti-American propaganda.' The Kennedy Center, which receives federal funding, is a leading national arts facility with bipartisan support. Since taking office last month, Trump has undertaken a massive government overhaul, firing and sidelining hundreds of civil servants and top officials. During his first term, Trump did not attend the annual Kennedy Center Honors, though the center's leaders had indicated he would be welcome in the future. Grenell recently served as Trump's envoy to Venezuela, successfully securing the release of six Americans.

U.S. President Donald Trump has achieved one of his highest job approval ratings in his political career during the start of his second term. A new CBS News/YouGov poll reveals that 53% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's overall performance in office. Most respondents describe the 78-year-old Trump as 'effective,' 'focused,' 'tough,' 'competent,' and 'energetic,' though only 37% see him as 'compassionate.' A significant majority, 70%, believe Trump is fulfilling his 2024 campaign promises. The poll, conducted from last Wednesday to Friday with 2,175 respondents, has a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points. Despite lower marks on key issues like trade and inflation, Trump's overall support is higher than in other recent surveys. Most respondents oppose Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and Europe, but 56% support new tariffs on China. A majority of 58% disapprove of Trump's decision to pardon most individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. On immigration, Trump's mass deportation efforts and plans to deploy troops to the southern border receive 59% and 64% approval, respectively.

On February 10th, local time, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that if the detainees in Gaza are not released by noon on the 15th, he will cancel the previously reached ceasefire agreement and believes Israel has the right to overturn it. On the same day, a spokesperson for Hamas' Qassam Brigades announced that the planned exchange of detainees on February 15th would be postponed due to Israel's violations of the ceasefire. Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman responded that this statement blatantly violates the ceasefire and has instructed the Israeli Defense Forces to be on the highest level of alert to respond to any situation in Gaza.

On February 9, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas while en route to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. He compared the condition of Israeli hostages released by Hamas to Holocaust survivors. Trump, who previously called for the removal of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and for the U.S. to take control of it, reiterated his commitment to U.S. ownership of Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was shocked by the hostages' condition and released 183 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israelis.

World leaders and tech executives are gathering in Paris to discuss the safe adoption of artificial intelligence. Following the viral launch of ChatGPT in 2022, enthusiasm for AI regulation has waned since summits in Britain and South Korea. U.S. President Donald Trump's scrapping of previous AI guardrails has pressured EU policymakers to adopt a lighter-touch approach. French President Emmanuel Macron warns against excessive regulation. Divergent strategies for AI regulation are evident in the U.S., China, and the EU, with the EU's AI Act facing calls for lenient enforcement. Trump's approach has emboldened U.S. tech giants, while China's DeepSeek challenges U.S. and British AI leadership. The summit will see attendees like U.S. Vice President JD Vance and China's Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, discussing AI's energy needs and applications in developing countries. France is promoting open-source systems and clean energy, securing a $50 billion AI data center deal with the UAE.

On January 20, 2025, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc., led a group of investors in a $97.4 billion offer to acquire OpenAI. The consortium includes Musk's startup xAI and other long-time investors. Musk's attorney stated the offer aims to restore OpenAI's open-source and safety-focused mission. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman rejected the offer, jokingly proposing to buy Twitter for $9.74 billion instead. Musk and Altman are embroiled in legal and public relations battles. Since its founding in 2015, OpenAI has become a giant in generative AI. SoftBank is close to finalizing a $40 billion investment in OpenAI, valuing it at $260 billion. Microsoft has been OpenAI's largest backer to date.

The Danish initiative group Denmarkification has proposed crowdfunding to purchase the state of California in response to President Donald Trump's aspiration to annex Greenland to the US. Campaign initiator Xavier Dutoit stated that California would cost $1 trillion and 'a lifetime supply of Danish pastries, which Hollywood will pay for.' He suggested Lego, a constructor producer, should handle negotiations with the US, as they are adept at dealing with children's tantrums over missing bricks. The Denmarkification website claims it would require 200,000 kroner from each Dane. Over 198,000 people have signed a petition for California to become part of Denmark. The initiators believe Trump might agree to sell California, as he has frequently criticized the state. Trump previously threatened high trade tariffs on Denmark if it did not relinquish Greenland. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and in 1951, Washington and Copenhagen signed the Greenland Defense Treaty, with the US maintaining a base on the island.

In 2022, renowned British-Indian author Salman Rushdie was stabbed at the Chautauqua Institute in upstate New York, leaving him blind in one eye. Hadi Matar, a 27-year-old from New Jersey, faces charges of attempted murder and assault, pleading not guilty. The trial began in Mayville on Monday, with Rushdie set to testify. Video evidence shows Rushdie was stabbed in the neck and abdomen, suffering liver damage, while interviewer Henry Reese sustained minor injuries. Rushdie has long faced death threats since publishing 'The Satanic Verses' in 1988, with the motive for the attack unclear.

On February 10, 2025, a consortium of investors led by Elon Musk offered $97.4 billion to acquire OpenAI. Musk's attorney, Marc Toberoff, confirmed the submission of a bid for all assets of the tech company to its board. This move is the latest development in the longstanding conflict between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Altman responded on Musk's social media platform X, rejecting the offer but proposing to buy Twitter for $9.74 billion. OpenAI is credited with bringing AI tools into the mainstream and sparking significant investment in the sector. Musk and Altman co-founded the non-profit startup in 2015, but their relationship deteriorated after Musk's departure in 2018. Altman is restructuring the company to become a for-profit entity, a move Musk argues abandons its original mission. OpenAI contends that the transition is necessary to secure funding for developing top AI models. The takeover bid is supported by Musk's xAI and several private equity firms. Musk vowed to return OpenAI to its open-source, safety-focused roots. The offer is significantly lower than the company's $157 billion valuation in October last year, with current talks valuing it at $300 billion. Toberoff stated the consortium is prepared to match or exceed any higher bids. Additionally, OpenAI is collaborating with Oracle, a Japanese investment firm, and an Emirati sovereign wealth fund to build $500 billion in AI infrastructure in the US.

Sam Nujoma, the founding president of the independent Republic of Namibia, passed away at the age of 95 in a hospital in the capital city of Windhoek on February 9, 2025. Current President Nangolo Mbumba announced the news on his administration's Facebook page. Nujoma was one of the founders of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) in 1960, a national liberation movement that led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. He served as the country's president from 1990 to 2005.

Dr Sam Nujoma, Namibia's first democratically elected president after independence from apartheid South Africa, died at the age of 95 on February 8. He served three terms from 1990 to 2005 and was formally recognized as the 'Founding Father of the Namibian Nation' in 2005. Despite his achievements in establishing democratic institutions and prioritizing national reconciliation, he faced criticism for his intolerance of critical media, stance against homosexuality, and the 1998 constitutional amendment allowing his third term. A long-time ally of Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Nujoma's legacy was also marred by autocratic tendencies and the suppression of the 1999 Caprivi rebellion. He was a key figure in the anti-apartheid struggle, leading the Swapo movement from exile and eventually securing Namibia's independence.

Voting for the presidential and parliamentary elections in Ecuador began on February 9, with polling stations open until 5:00 p.m. (10:00 p.m. GMT). Incumbent President Daniel Noboa is running for re-election, joined by 16 other politicians. His main rival is former lawmaker Luisa Gonzalez, who served in various capacities in ex-President Rafael Correa's government. An Ipsos poll shows 45.5% support for Noboa and 31.3% for Gonzalez. A candidate must secure an absolute majority or at least 40% of the votes, with a 10 percentage point lead over the nearest rival to win. If no candidate meets these criteria, a second round will be held on April 13. Voters will also elect 151 deputies to the National Assembly. The election is taking place under heightened security due to recent crises, with Noboa ordering the closure of borders from February 8 to 10 and reinforcing military presence in border areas and seaports.

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa is poised to win Sunday's presidential election, promising to combat crime. Since taking office in 2023, Noboa's deployment of the military has reduced violent deaths by 15%, significantly decreased prison violence, and led to the capture of major gang leaders. His 15 opponents criticize his efforts against drug-related crime and propose legislative or constitutional changes. Noboa is already implementing enhanced security at borders and ports. Polls suggest he may win outright or face a runoff in April. His rival, Luisa Gonzalez, backed by former President Rafael Correa, proposes military and police operations and a social spending plan.

On September 9th, the Baltic States of Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia announced the successful completion of their power grid voltage control test, planning to connect to the European grid via Poland at 1 PM local time. The previous day, the three countries had disconnected from the Russian and Belarusian grids, operating in an 'island mode' for a day. In 2018, the Baltic States, along with Poland and the European Commission, signed an agreement in Brussels to synchronize their power networks with the European mainland by 2025, aiming to脱离 the BRELL energy circle and join the EU energy market to achieve energy independence from Russia.

Libya's attorney general reported the discovery of a mass grave containing at least 28 migrant bodies in the desert of south-east Libya. The grave was found north of Kufra, shortly after another mass grave with 19 bodies was uncovered on a farm in the same city. The latest grave was discovered during a raid on a human trafficking site, where 76 migrants were freed from detention and torture. One Libyan and two foreigners have been arrested. Unverified images online show police and volunteers digging in the sand and placing corpses in black bags. The search in Kufra, over 1,700 kilometers from Libya's capital Tripoli, continues. The attorney general stated that the bodies have been taken for autopsy, with investigators suspecting links to smuggling networks. Last year, a mass grave with at least 65 migrant bodies was found in south-west Libya, which the International Organization for Migration (IOM) described as 'deeply shocking' at the time. Since the overthrow of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has become a key transit route for migrants risking dangerous desert and Mediterranean Sea crossings to reach Europe. Unicef reported that in 2024, the number of people who died or went missing in the Mediterranean while trying to reach Europe exceeded 2,200.

Libya's attorney general announced on Facebook on Sunday that security authorities recovered at least 28 bodies of migrants from a mass grave in the southeast desert. The bodies were found north of Kufra city, while 76 migrants were freed from forced detention. On Thursday, the Alwahat security directorate in the southeast recovered 19 bodies in the Jikharra area, and the Libyan Red Crescent recovered 10 migrant bodies off Dila port in Zawiya city in the west after their boat sank. Since the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has become a transit route for migrants heading to Europe. The attorney general stated that a gang deliberately deprived illegal migrants of their freedom and subjected them to torture. Authorities have initiated forensic tests to determine the cause of death and are documenting survivors' testimonies, detaining three suspects.

On February 9, a random stabbing incident occurred in Dublin, leaving three men wounded, two of them seriously. Police subsequently arrested a man in his late 20s near the scene. The injured men, aged between their mid-20s and mid-40s, were taken to the hospital for treatment. According to The Irish Times, the suspect used household implements to stab the victims, with at least one attack occurring at a victim's doorstep. Police currently do not believe there is any terrorist link and have increased their presence in the area to reassure the community. Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin expressed condolences to the victims and commended the prompt response of the police and emergency services.

With the German national election two weeks away, protests against the rise of far-right groups are intensifying. On February 8th, 250,000 people demonstrated in Munich, with organizers claiming 320,000, far exceeding the 160,000 in Berlin the previous weekend. Another protest in Hanover attracted 24,000 participants. Protesters oppose the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) aligning with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AFD), urging parties not to collaborate with far-right forces. The CDU has about 30% support in polls, while the AFD is second with 20%-22%. Friedrich Merz's tough stance on immigration has sparked controversy. Meanwhile, European far-right groups held a rally in Madrid, with Viktor Orban and Marine Le Pen citing Trump's influence on the EU.

Friedrich Merz is tipped as Germany's next leader, attempting to tighten migration rules with far-right support, causing controversy. Previously sidelined by Angela Merkel, he returned to politics aiming to shift the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from its centrist stance. On January 23, he delivered a foreign policy speech in Berlin, a month before Germany's federal election. Merz's political journey has been tumultuous, with three failed attempts to lead the CDU. Despite protests against his policies, supporters believe he can attract far-right voters.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has requested his cabinet members to resign ahead of a reshuffle. Environment Minister Susana Muhamad resigned in protest against Petro's appointment of Armando Benedetti to the cabinet. Muhamad will continue as president of the United Nations COP16 on biodiversity. She cited allegations of violence against women and influence peddling against Benedetti. Benedetti last week denied the stories about him as false.

Employees of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) were instructed to work remotely as their Washington, D.C. headquarters will remain closed until February 14. A memo from CFPB Chief Operating Officer Adam Martinez followed Acting Director Russell Vought's directive to suspend nearly all regulatory activities. This development stems from Elon Musk's DOGE employees gaining access to CFPB data last week. Vought announced on X that he was halting new funding to the agency. CFPB staff are bracing for potential administrative leave or layoffs, similar to previous attempts at the U.S. Agency for International Development. Of the approximately 1,700 CFPB employees, only a few hundred positions are legally mandated, risking the bureau's mission to protect consumers from financial exploitation.

Sony announced on Sunday that all PlayStation Plus members would automatically receive an additional five days of service following a global outage that disrupted the PlayStation Network (PSN) for approximately 18 hours on Friday and Saturday. The outage, which began late Friday, left users unable to sign in, play online games, or access the online store. By Saturday evening, the company reported that PSN had been restored. At its peak, the outage affected about 7,939 users in the U.S. and around 7,336 users in the UK. Sony has experienced more severe outages in the past, including a cyberattack in 2014 that took PSN offline for several days during the holiday season and a major breach in 2011 that compromised the personal data of nearly 77 million users, leading to a month-long shutdown.

Five Thai farm workers, released by Hamas in Gaza after nearly 500 days in captivity, have arrived home in Bangkok. They were kidnapped during Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Emotional scenes unfolded on Sunday morning as the men were reunited with their families at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa described their return as 'very inspiring.' Each hostage will receive a one-time payment of around £14,510 and a monthly pension of £725. One Thai hostage remains unaccounted for.

US President Donald Trump on February 9, while flying to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, told reporters that the United States may carry less debt than thought, possibly due to fraud related to debt payments. The current US public debt stands at $36.2 trillion. Trump has tasked billionaire Elon Musk with an ambitious overhaul of the federal government, sparking street protests in Washington and accusations of legal violations. Musk's 'Department of Government Efficiency' has disrupted operations at several federal agencies, raising privacy and security concerns. On February 8, a federal judge temporarily blocked Musk's team from accessing government systems used to process trillions in payments. Musk later stated that the Treasury Department and DOGE would require all outgoing government payments to include a rationale and categorization code, and update a do-not-pay list regularly.

On November 13, 2024, Elon Musk in Washington, D.C., criticized the British government and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Musk called for the impeachment of New York federal judge Paul Engelmayer, who temporarily restricted Musk and his DOGE team from accessing U.S. Treasury payment systems and sensitive data. Musk labeled Engelmayer as a 'corrupt judge' on social network X and explained his Treasury plans. The DOGE team, tasked by President Donald Trump to cut federal budgets and agencies, sought to block funds to USAID. Nineteen state attorneys general sued Trump and the Treasury, leading to Engelmayer's temporary injunction. New Jersey AG Matthew Platkin accused Musk of illegal actions. Vice President JD Vance argued judges shouldn't control executive power. Legal experts affirmed courts' authority to check executive overreach.

US President Donald Trump stated in a Fox News interview on February 9 that he will instruct Elon Musk to focus his government spending review on the Department of Education. Trump claimed that the American people want him to identify waste, and Musk has been instrumental in cutting unnecessary expenditures. In his third week back in the White House, Trump has issued several executive orders aimed at reducing federal spending and appointed Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk has already taken steps to shut down the US Agency for International Development, resulting in thousands of layoffs, though federal judges have temporarily halted these actions. Trump also indicated that he will review military spending, particularly the Pentagon's $850 billion budget for 2025. Critics point out that Musk's companies have over $20 billion in contracts with the federal government.

On February 9, 2025, the Israeli military withdrew from the Netzarim corridor in Gaza, in line with the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Hamas celebrated the withdrawal as a victory and deployed its police force to manage the flow of Palestinians through the area. Thousands of Palestinians have recently returned to their homes in northern Gaza via the corridor. Much of northern Gaza has been devastated by Israeli military operations. Since the ceasefire took effect on January 19, former American soldiers working as private contractors have been inspecting vehicles passing through the corridor. Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are set to begin soon, but on Sunday, Palestinian medics reported that several Palestinians, including an elderly woman, were killed by Israeli gunfire near Gaza City.

On February 9, Israel completely withdrew its troops from the Netzarim corridor between the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip, in accordance with a hostage release deal with Hamas and instructions from Israeli political authorities. Following the withdrawal, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue to control the Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza's border with Egypt and the buffer zone along the enclave's border with Israel. Hamas confirmed the withdrawal and declared it a triumph of the Palestinian people's firmness on its Telegram channel, warning it would continue fighting until an independent Palestinian State is established. Mohammad Almarsi, Director of the Institute for Palestine Studies, stated that the IDF agreed to allow American private companies to inspect the Netzarim checkpoint for the return of displaced persons. On January 15, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani noted that mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States led to a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, with Hamas releasing 33 hostages in the first phase in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

On February 9, 2025, Israeli troops withdrew from the Netzarim Corridor, a military zone separating the north and south of the Gaza Strip. Hundreds of Palestinians returned to northern Gaza with belongings, encountering scenes of severe destruction. The withdrawal aligns with the January 19 Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, which has so far freed 21 Israeli hostages and 566 Palestinian prisoners, with 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners expected to be released by the end of the first phase. The Gaza war, triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has killed at least 48,189 Palestinians and destroyed about two-thirds of Gaza's buildings. Initially, 700,000 northern Gaza residents fled south, facing multiple relocations. Last month, Israel partially withdrew from the western part of the corridor, allowing pedestrian access, while vehicles undergo screening. An Israeli delegation is set to visit Qatar to discuss the first phase of the ceasefire. Trump's proposal to relocate Gaza's civilian population has been widely rejected.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on February 9, categorically rejecting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks about displacing Palestinians from their land. Israeli officials had suggested establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi territory, to which Netanyahu appeared to respond jokingly on February 6 during an interview. Egypt and Jordan also condemned the Israeli suggestions, with Cairo deeming the idea a direct infringement of Saudi sovereignty. The Saudi statement emphasized the kingdom's appreciation for 'brotherly' states' rejection of Netanyahu's remarks. Additionally, President Donald Trump's February 4 proposal for the US to 'take over the Gaza Strip' and create a 'Riviera of the Middle East' sparked controversy. Arab states unanimously condemned Trump's comments. Gaza authorities report that the war has killed over 47,000 Palestinians. Israel launched its offensive following a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.

On February 9, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced that Egypt will host an emergency Arab summit in Cairo on February 27 to discuss the latest developments in the Palestinian issue. The summit was requested by Palestine and decided upon after coordination with the current Arab League chairmanship, Bahrain, and the Arab League Secretariat. Previously, U.S. President Trump proposed the idea of 'emptying' the Gaza Strip, to which Egyptian President Sisi expressed opposition. On February 1, several Arab countries and the Arab League held a ministerial meeting in Cairo and issued a joint statement opposing any attempts to expel Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.

Russian President's press secretary Dmitry Peskov on February 9 stated that he cannot confirm or deny reports of a phone call between President Putin and US President Trump. According to the New York Post, Trump revealed he had spoken with Putin in an attempt to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Peskov noted that there have been multiple communications between Russia and the US, but specific details are unclear. The Kremlin previously said that discussions on a possible Putin-Trump meeting have not yet begun. On February 5, Peskov mentioned that contacts between Russian and US departments are intensifying. Trump expressed his desire to meet with Putin soon, to which the Russian side responded that they are ready for an equal and respectful dialogue. The US is expected to announce a peace agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict next week, while Russia advocates for a comprehensive and sustainable solution. The Ukrainian government is actively engaging with US officials to seek sufficient security guarantees.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone about ending the war in Ukraine, marking their first direct conversation since early 2022. Trump, who has pledged to end the conflict but has not publicly detailed his plan, described the war as a bloodbath and mentioned his team had held 'some very good talks.' In an interview with the New York Post aboard Air Force One, Trump declined to specify the number of times he and Putin had spoken. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted the existence of various communication channels but neither confirmed nor denied the report. The conflict in eastern Ukraine began in 2014, intensifying in 2022 when Putin sent troops into Ukraine, citing a need to protect Russian speakers. Trump expressed a desire to swiftly end the war and plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the matter.

US President Donald Trump stated that he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the Russia-Ukraine war, but did not provide further details. This marks the first direct conversation between Putin and a US president since early 2022. Trump claimed to have a specific plan to end the war but did not disclose its contents. US Vice President Mike Pence will attend the Munich Security Conference and meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Kremlin did not confirm the call but noted ongoing communications between the US and Russia. Russia awaits a signal from the US for a possible summit in February or March.

Analysts predict that DeepSeek's rise will prompt global investors to allocate more funds to Chinese stocks despite ongoing economic concerns. Liqian Ren, head of quantitative investment at WisdomTree, noted that DeepSeek's open-source model surprised U.S. tech investors with its low cost and innovation, despite U.S. export controls. Nvidia's stock plunged 17% on January 27, raising questions about AI investments. David Chao, global market strategist at Invesco, believes the current high concentration in the U.S. stock market is temporary, with Chinese equities offering attractive valuations. Louis Luo, head of multi-asset investment solutions at abrdn, highlighted that DeepSeek demonstrates Chinese tech giants' ability to build AI models comparable to U.S. ones, benefiting the MSCI China index. Bernstein and J.P. Morgan recommend stocks like Kingdee and Kingsoft Office, expecting them to benefit from AI development. HSBC raised its revenue estimates for Xiaomi, citing its AI capabilities. Despite U.S. tariff uncertainties, DeepSeek's breakthroughs showcase innovation from China's private sector.

A CBS News/YouGov poll conducted from Feb 5 to Feb 7 showed President Donald Trump with a 53% approval rating in his first month in office. Despite a typical post-election honeymoon, many respondents expressed concerns about insufficient efforts to lower consumer prices, and majorities opposed his plans to impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and Europe. Sixty-six per cent of Americans felt his administration had not focused enough on reducing prices, including nearly half of Republicans. While 56% supported the 10% tariffs on China, similar majorities opposed the 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and unspecified future tariffs on European nations. Half of Americans believed Elon Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency teams should have some influence over government operations, with 74% of Republicans agreeing. Compared to former Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush, Trump had the lowest initial approval rating in at least 70 years, with 44% in January 2017.

Ecuador will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on February 9, with incumbent President Daniel Noboa running for re-election. Besides him, 16 other politicians have entered the race. Noboa's main rival is former lawmaker Luisa Gonzalez, who served in various positions in the government of ex-President Rafael Correa (2007-2017). According to a poll by Ipsos, 45.5% of voters are ready to support Noboa, while Gonzalez has the backing of 31.3%.

On February 8, leaders of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) called for an immediate ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a joint summit in Tanzania. The summit directed EAC-SADC chiefs of defense forces to meet within five days to provide technical guidance for an unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, ensuring humanitarian assistance. They are also expected to develop a securitization plan for the city of Goma and surrounding areas. The leaders urged the DRC to hold direct talks with all conflict parties, including the M23 Movement, and recommended the withdrawal of all foreign military units from the DRC. The summit brought together leaders from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, South Africa, DRC, Rwanda, Zambia, Burundi, Malawi, Angola, South Sudan, Madagascar, and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.

In the early hours of February 8, a bus crash in southern Mexico resulted in the deaths of 41 people. The bus, carrying 48 passengers, was traveling from Cancun to Tabasco when it collided with a truck, killing 38 passengers and two drivers, including the truck driver. The bus caught fire after the collision, leaving only the skeletal remains of the metal frame. So far, only 18 skulls have been confirmed, and recovery efforts are ongoing. Bus operator Tours Acosta expressed profound sorrow on Facebook and is working with authorities to investigate the cause of the accident and whether the bus was speeding.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a victory in the Delhi local elections, reclaiming the capital after 27 years. Voting took place on February 5, with results on February 8 showing BJP winning 47 seats, significantly ahead of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s 22 seats. Modi pledged to develop Delhi and improve citizens' quality of life. This win marks BJP's third state election victory in four months, reflecting the impact of their recent tax relief measures for the middle class. BJP promised various welfare initiatives. Delhi, governed by AAP since 2013, was affected by corruption allegations, leading to Kejriwal's defeat and loss of his seat.

On February 8, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory in the Delhi legislative assembly elections, forming the government in the Indian capital for the first time in 27 years. The BJP won or was leading in 48 of the 70 seats, while the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was ahead in 22 seats, according to the Election Commission of India (EC). Modi pledged to develop Delhi comprehensively. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of the AAP accepted the election outcome and congratulated the BJP. The election was significant for both parties, given Delhi's symbolic importance as the nation's capital. The AAP, which had governed Delhi since 2013, faced recent challenges including corruption allegations. The BJP's win marks a crucial foothold in the capital. Over 60% of eligible voters participated, with experts noting this will reinforce Modi's popularity among Indian voters.