Sir Keir Starmer, en route to Washington, reiterated the need for a US security guarantee in Ukraine to deter further Russian aggression. He emphasized the importance of a US “backstop” in any peace deal, though details remain under discussion. In contrast, Donald Trump suggested Europe should take more responsibility for security guarantees, while highlighting a minerals deal with Ukraine as beneficial. Starmer stressed the need for lasting peace, not just a ceasefire, to prevent future Russian advances. Following Starmer’s visit, Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ava Sinclair 27/02/2025 2:00 am
Bosnian-Serb leader Milorad Dodik dismissed his one-year prison sentence and six-year public office ban as “nonsense,” urging supporters not to worry. His conviction stemmed from defying the international High Representative, Christian Schmidt, who retains significant authority in Bosnia. The verdict highlights ongoing tensions between Dodik and Schmidt, amid Bosnia’s political struggles. Despite hopes for local cooperation post-Dayton Agreement, ethno-nationalist leaders remain entrenched, leading to a weak central government, economic challenges, and emigration. Noah Prescott 27/02/2025 2:00 am
Israeli attacks in Syria are causing unrest among residents and the country’s new leaders. Prime Minister Netanyahu claims the military actions aim to neutralize threats from Syria. Recent strikes targeted Damascus and southern Syria, described as military positions threatening Israel. Despite Syria’s weakened state post-civil war, its new leaders, former Islamist rebels, focus on internal issues and are cautious in condemning Israel due to Western sanctions. Israel’s Defense Minister emphasized preventing southern Syria from becoming a threat like southern Lebanon. The actions follow Israel’s broader regional military strategy post-Hamas attacks. Noah Prescott 27/02/2025 2:00 am
Romanian prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation against far-right populist Calin Georgescu, accusing him of election campaign funding abuses, supporting fascist groups, and other offenses. Georgescu, who won the first round of a canceled presidential election, was detained for questioning. Allegations include incitement against the constitutional order and spreading false information. Georgescu denies wrongdoing, claiming authorities are fabricating evidence to block his candidacy. Supporters protested in Bucharest, while Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu emphasized judicial independence. The election rerun is set for May 4. Penelope Kingsley 27/02/2025 2:00 am
Hamas handed over the remains of four Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, marking the last exchange in the initial cease-fire phase with Israel. The remains, identified as Ohad Yahalomi, Itzhak Elgarat, Shlomo Mansour, and Tsachi Idan, will be examined by Israeli forensic specialists. Following this, Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released, though timing is uncertain. The cease-fire’s first phase ends after 42 days, with little progress on the second phase despite mediation efforts. Initially, Hamas was to release 25 hostages and eight bodies in exchange for over 1,500 Palestinian prisoners. Ava Sinclair 27/02/2025 2:00 am
Amid the third anniversary of the Ukraine war, diplomatic efforts hint at a potential, albeit imperfect, peace agreement. Washington and Kyiv reached a deal to exploit Ukraine’s mineral resources, and a European peacekeeping force plan emerged. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s upcoming visit to Washington underscores efforts to navigate a strained US-Ukraine relationship. Tensions rose as the US negotiated with Russia without Ukraine, sought mineral concessions, and sided with Russia at the UN, signaling a possible pro-Russian shift. Trump’s comments on Zelenskyy further complicated relations. Ava Sinclair 27/02/2025 2:00 am
Bosnian Serb president Milorad Dodik was sentenced to one year in prison and banned from politics for six years for separatist actions. The Sarajevo court’s ruling follows Dodik’s defiance of the international envoy overseeing Bosnia’s peace. Dodik, absent from court, threatened secession of Republika Srpska. His separatist stance and pro-Russia policies have raised tensions, recalling the 1992-95 war. The Dayton Accords, which ended the war, established Bosnia’s current political structure. Dodik has frequently opposed international envoy Christian Schmidt’s authority. Noah Prescott 26/02/2025 10:30 pm
Alaa Ofi and his family were forced to flee the Tulkarm refugee camp due to the Israeli army’s “Operation Iron Wall,” leaving behind essential belongings. This operation has displaced around 40,000 people from four camps in the West Bank, marking the largest forced displacement since 1967. Many, like Ofi, struggle to access vital documents and find housing. The UN reports at least 51 Palestinians, including children, have been killed since the operation began. Aid agencies highlight the unprecedented evacuation of these camps, established in the 1950s. Penelope Kingsley 26/02/2025 10:30 pm
Mediators have resolved the impasse in the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Israel had delayed releasing 600 Palestinian prisoners, citing mistreatment of Israeli hostages by Hamas. An agreement was reached to release the prisoners and the bodies of four Israeli hostages, likely on Wednesday or Thursday. This paves the way for US envoy Steve Witkoff to visit and initiate further ceasefire talks. Hamas confirmed the agreement, while Israeli sources indicated the hostages’ families were notified. Egyptian officials stated the bodies would be handed over without ceremonies. Ava Sinclair 26/02/2025 10:30 pm
A massive blackout affected 14 of Chile’s 16 regions, including Santiago, disrupting transport and internet services. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew. The outage was caused by a disconnection in the electrical system’s transmission lines. Authorities are working to restore power, with the National Electrical Coordinator activating a recovery plan. The national gendarmerie is reinforcing street security. Santiago’s metro service was suspended, and passengers evacuated. No emergency situations have been reported yet. Ava Sinclair 26/02/2025 10:30 pm
