Welcome to a new week! It’s Monday, February 17, 2025, and we’ve got your essential briefing on defense and global affairs. Here’s what you need to know.
Ukraine Retakes Key Mining Village
Ukraine announced on Sunday that it had retaken the village of Pishchane, a mining settlement near the strategic city of Pokrovsk, after months of Russian attempts to capture it.
Military spokesman Viktor Tregubov confirmed that Ukrainian counterattacks had succeeded, signaling a shift in momentum in the region. Pishchane, home to a key mine owned by steel giant Metinvest, has changed hands multiple times, but Ukrainian officials believe their latest control over it is more significant.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted an overall improvement in the situation near Pokrovsk.
The development comes amid continued Russian territorial claims and growing anticipation of a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.
African Union Sounds Alarm Over M23 Gains in Congo
The African Union (AU) issued a warning on Sunday against the potential breakup of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the expansion of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group into a second city in the country’s east.
AU Peace and Security Commissioner Bankole Adeoye called for the immediate withdrawal of M23 and its allies from all occupied areas, including Goma airport.
The M23 took control of Goma in late January before advancing further south, intensifying a long-running conflict.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also urged efforts to prevent regional escalation.
The AU emphasized the importance of upholding the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid rising tensions.
US Delivers Heavy Bombs to Israel
Israel’s Defense Ministry announced on Sunday that a shipment of heavy US-made MK-84 bombs, recently authorized by President Donald Trump, arrived in Israel overnight.
The delivery is part of a $7.4 billion US arms deal intended to bolster Israel’s defense capabilities.
Defense Minister Israel Katz highlighted the shipment as a testament to the strong alliance between Israel and the US.
The arms transfer follows a previous halt on 2,000-pound bombs under former President Joe Biden due to civilian casualty concerns.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel for his first visit, where he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discuss the Gaza ceasefire.
Talks are also expected to touch on Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, a plan that has sparked global backlash.
Lebanon Blocks Iranian Flights Over Israeli Threat
Lebanon twice denied Iranian flights permission to land in Beirut this week after the US relayed warnings that Israel might shoot them down, a Lebanese security source told news agencies.
The first incident occurred on Thursday when Lebanese authorities, after consulting top leaders, blocked a flight before takeoff following an Israeli threat to target the airport.
A second flight was barred on Friday, sparking protests from Hezbollah supporters who blocked roads to Beirut’s international airport.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam defended the decision, prioritizing airport security and civilian safety.
Israel has accused Hezbollah of using the airport for weapons transfers from Iran, a claim both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials deny.
The incidents come amid a fragile ceasefire that has held in Lebanon since November 27.
US, Japan, South Korea Reaffirm North Korea Denuclearization Goal
The United States, Japan, and South Korea reaffirmed their strong commitment to the “complete denuclearization” of North Korea in a joint statement released Saturday.
The pledge followed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s first meetings with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts at the Munich Security Conference.
The allies expressed serious concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, cyber activities, and growing military ties with Russia. They warned against provocations and vowed to uphold sanctions against Pyongyang.
The statement also emphasized resolving issues related to abductees, detainees, and separated families.
Meanwhile, North Korea remains defiant, vowing to continue its nuclear program “indefinitely” and condemning recent US actions, including a nuclear submarine visit to South Korea.
Despite past diplomatic talks between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, tensions between Pyongyang and Washington remain high.
Rubio Signals Ukraine’s Role in Future Peace Negotiations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized Sunday that Ukraine and Europe would be involved in any “real negotiations” to end Russia’s war, despite concerns that the initial US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia might exclude them.
Rubio clarified that the upcoming discussions were only to gauge Russia’s seriousness about peace.
The talks follow a call between President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, where Putin expressed interest in ending the war.
Meanwhile, European leaders are wary of being sidelined, fearing a US-Russia peace deal that might compromise Ukraine’s security.
Reports also indicate that the US is exploring potential European troop contributions to enforce a peace agreement.
Trump reassured that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be involved in future discussions.
As tensions rise, French President Emmanuel Macron has called an emergency summit on Ukraine, highlighting European concerns over the evolving diplomatic landscape.
Sources: News Agencies, Reuters
