The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, assured the US that Cuban health workers in SVG are not victims of human trafficking, countering US claims of “forced labor” in Cuban medical missions. Ahead of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, Gonsalves provided evidence of fair labor practices, emphasizing the vital role of Cuban medics in the region. Despite US visa restrictions targeting Cuba’s labor export program, Caribbean leaders and Cuba’s ambassador reject allegations of trafficking, highlighting the global impact of Cuban medical professionals. Noah Prescott 27/03/2025 5:30 am
World leaders will meet in Paris for a summit on Ukraine, focusing on long-term security guarantees. Thirty-one countries, including NATO allies and non-EU nations like the UK and Canada, will attend. Macron will host Zelenskyy for a working dinner. France prioritizes military and financial support for Ukraine. The summit aims to finalize security guarantees and discuss a peace treaty involving a “coalition of the willing.” A US-brokered Black Sea ceasefire is a “first step,” but French officials urge caution. Efforts are coordinated with the US, despite recent tensions. Ava Sinclair 27/03/2025 2:00 am
The UK’s economy is expected to grow more slowly than previously forecasted, with 2025 growth revised down to 1% from 2%. Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed dissatisfaction but noted improved forecasts for subsequent years, with growth expected to reach 1.9% in 2026 and stabilize around 1.8% by 2029. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) attributes this to government planning reforms and housebuilding targets, predicting a 0.4% GDP increase within a decade. Labour aims to build 1.5 million homes by 2029-30, nearing their manifesto goal. Penelope Kingsley 26/03/2025 10:30 pm
Sudan’s military leader, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, announced the army’s full control of Khartoum after recapturing key locations from the RSF, including the presidential palace and Manshiya Bridge. The RSF had dominated the city since April 2023, leading to widespread violence and displacement. The army’s swift advances have been met with local celebrations, despite ongoing humanitarian crises and reports of abuses by both sides. The UN warns of famine conditions due to looted markets and restricted aid. Rights groups have documented sexual violence and indiscriminate shelling. Ava Sinclair 26/03/2025 10:30 pm
Protests are occurring across Turkey demanding either early presidential elections or the release of Istanbul’s jailed mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. The opposition, led by the Republican People’s Party (CHP), plans nationwide demonstrations, including a major rally in Istanbul, to support Imamoglu’s presidential candidacy for 2028. The protests, the largest in over a decade, have led to mass arrests. President Erdogan condemns the protests as “street terrorism.” CHP leader Ozgur Ozel claims the corruption charges against Imamoglu are a scam to discredit him. Noah Prescott 26/03/2025 10:30 pm
A search-and-rescue operation is underway for four U.S. Army soldiers missing during a military exercise in Lithuania. The soldiers, part of the 3rd Infantry Division, 1st Brigade, disappeared in a tracked M88 recovery vehicle near Pabrade, close to the Belarusian border. Lithuanian military, rescue services, and U.S. troops are involved in the search, with helicopters from the Lithuanian Air Force and border guard service assisting. The operation continues, according to Lithuanian Defense Ministry spokesman Ignas Grinevicius. Ava Sinclair 26/03/2025 7:00 pm
A Russian military court sentenced 12 members of Ukraine’s Azov regiment to 13-23 years for “terrorist activity.” Russia labels Azov a “terrorist organization,” but Ukraine disputes this, viewing Azov as national heroes. The defendants plan to appeal, claiming coerced testimonies. Russia previously convicted 145 Azov members, and 11 others were sentenced in absentia. Azov, initially nationalist, was integrated into Ukraine’s National Guard and reformed. The regiment defended Mariupol, symbolizing Ukrainian resistance. Noah Prescott 26/03/2025 7:00 pm
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the alliance’s commitment to defend Poland and any NATO territory with “full force” against attacks, particularly from Russia. Speaking in Warsaw with Polish PM Donald Tusk, Rutte highlighted Poland’s significant defense spending and reassured that NATO’s transatlantic ties remain strong despite concerns over U.S. commitment under President Trump. Tusk stressed NATO’s importance to Poland’s security, referencing Article 5’s collective defense promise. Noah Prescott 26/03/2025 7:00 pm
Ukraine reported significant Russian drone strikes, including the largest on Kriviy Rih since the invasion began. Russia claimed to have downed Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea and other areas. The Kremlin stated it would honor a Black Sea cease-fire only after certain conditions are met. Ukraine and Russia accused each other of attacking energy facilities. President Trump mentioned considering Russian conditions for a cease-fire. Ukraine’s air defense intercepted 56 of 117 Russian drones. Separate U.S. agreements with Ukraine and Russia aim to halt Black Sea and energy facility attacks. Penelope Kingsley 26/03/2025 3:30 pm
Oscar-winning Palestinian director Hamdan Ballal was attacked by Israeli settlers, aided by two Israel Defense Forces soldiers, outside his home. The soldiers encircled and beat him with rifle butts, threatening to kill him. Ballal, a director of the award-winning documentary “No Other Land,” was documenting the settlers’ incursion into his village in the West Bank when the attack occurred. Armed settlers, escorted by soldiers, assaulted residents and activists, damaging property. Ballal, concerned for his family’s safety, instructed them to lock themselves inside their home. Ava Sinclair 26/03/2025 3:30 pm
