Saturday, March 1, 2025—new month, new updates. Here’s what’s happening in defense and global affairs today.
Trump Clashes with Zelenskyy, Ends Meeting Abruptly
A tense and disastrous meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump ended with a dramatic fallout, worsening relations between Kyiv and Washington.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance clashed with Zelenskyy over the war with Russia, accusing him of showing disrespect and failing to seek peace.
The confrontation escalated to the point where Trump ordered Zelenskyy to leave the White House before their scheduled lunch.
A proposed minerals deal between the US and Ukraine, which Kyiv hoped would strengthen relations and secure continued support, was left unsigned.
Trump’s remarks signaled a clear shift in US policy, warning Ukraine to make peace with Russia or risk losing American backing.
European leaders rallied behind Zelenskyy, while Ukrainian citizens expressed anxiety over the future of US military aid. Meanwhile, Russia appeared to celebrate the spectacle, seeing it as a weakening of Ukraine’s global alliances.
US Approves $3 Billion in New Weapons for Israel
The US recently approved over $3 billion in additional arms sales to Israel, including bombs, warheads, and bulldozers, bypassing congressional approval under an emergency declaration by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This follows a $7.4 billion arms sale earlier in February, reinforcing Washington’s continued support for Israel’s military.
The announcement comes as Israel remains in a ceasefire with Hamas after a devastating war in Gaza that began in October 2023.
The Biden administration had previously blocked a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs over concerns about civilian casualties, but President Donald Trump has since reversed that decision.
The US argues that these sales are vital for Israel’s security and align with American national interests.
US Pressures Canada to Match Tariffs on China
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged Canada to match US and Mexican tariffs on Chinese imports as a show of unity, amid rising tensions over trade and fentanyl trafficking.
The call came ahead of a looming 25 percent US tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods set to take effect on Tuesday, which President Trump justified as a response to inadequate progress in curbing fentanyl-related deaths.
While Mexico has signaled willingness to align with US tariffs, Canada has yet to commit, despite efforts by Canadian officials to demonstrate stronger border security measures.
Meanwhile, Mexico extradited a record number of suspected drug cartel members, including notorious trafficker Rafael Caro Quintero, in a bid to appease US concerns.
Trump’s tariff escalation on Chinese goods, now set at 20 percent, has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, which views it as a violation of WTO rules.
The trade tensions come as China prepares for key political meetings, leaving little time to respond with countermeasures.
The broader impact on North American trade remains uncertain as both Canada and Mexico navigate the pressure from Washington.
Xi Hosts Shoigu, Strengthens China-Russia Ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu in Beijing, reaffirming strong ties between the two countries.
Xi emphasized China and Russia’s commitment to close communication and announced plans for a “series of important agendas” in their partnership.
The meeting followed a recent call between Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Xi praised Moscow’s efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis.
Despite claiming neutrality in the war, China remains a key political and economic partner to Russia, drawing criticism from NATO members who accuse Beijing of enabling the conflict.
Shoigu’s visit, his second to China in three months, comes as US President Donald Trump shifts toward a more pro-Russia stance, sidelining Ukraine in negotiations.
The Russian official also met with leaders in Malaysia and Indonesia, furthering Moscow’s security and diplomatic outreach in Asia.
Kurdish Militant Group Declares Ceasefire, Responds to Jailed Leader’s Call
The outlawed Kurdish militant group, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), declared a ceasefire with Turkey following a historic call from its jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan, to dissolve the organization and end its decades-long armed struggle.
The PKK’s leadership in northern Iraq confirmed they would honor Ocalan’s request but emphasized the need for a secure environment and improved prison conditions for their leader before officially disbanding.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Ocalan’s appeal a “historic opportunity” and pledged to closely monitor the peace process.
Analysts believe the truce could not only benefit Turkey but also contribute to stability in Syria, where the Turkish military has long clashed with Kurdish forces.
The ceasefire marks the first major step in rekindling peace efforts since talks collapsed in 2015. However, Turkey continues to pressure political opposition, with ongoing arrests of Kurdish politicians and activists.
Iraq welcomed the announcement, highlighting its potential to ease regional tensions, particularly given Turkey’s ongoing military operations against the PKK in northern Iraq.
Israel Buries Hostage as Ceasefire Talks Continue
Mourners in Israel laid to rest Tsachi Idan, one of the last hostages returned in the first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Idan was killed in captivity after being abducted during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack.
His funeral took place as negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire, which could bring an end to the war and secure the release of remaining hostages, continued in Cairo.
With Israel confirming that 32 of the 59 remaining hostages are dead, families of those still held in Gaza are increasing pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure their release.
Accounts from recently freed hostages describe severe mistreatment, including starvation and beatings.
Talks mediated by Israel, the US, and Qatar focus on exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas insists on a full commitment to the ceasefire agreement, rejecting an Israeli proposal for an extended truce without clear steps to end the war.
Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza prepare for Ramadan amid destruction, facing shortages of food and essential goods as humanitarian aid discussions continue.
Sources: News Agencies
