The Council on Foreign Relations held a briefing on “The Future of Ukraine,” aiming to inform U.S. engagement globally. The session, recorded and available online, features CFR experts discussing current issues. Resources like policy briefs and articles are accessible on CFR.org and ForeignAffairs.com. Although Liana Fix was absent, her insights will be shared later. Mike Froman, CFR president, thanked participants for attending. Penelope Kingsley 21/02/2025 8:00 pm
Russia may agree to use $300 billion of frozen sovereign assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction, insisting part be spent on areas it controls, sources say. Early talks between Russia and the U.S. on ending the Ukraine war occurred in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. and allies blocked Russian assets after the 2022 invasion. Discussions are preliminary, with Russia potentially proposing using frozen reserves for rebuilding as part of a peace deal. The Kremlin hasn’t commented, and the idea hasn’t been previously reported. Ava Sinclair 21/02/2025 8:00 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed “revenge” after Hamas returned four bodies, one not matching any hostage. Three were identified as Shiri Bibas’ children and Oded Lifschitz, but Shiri’s body was missing. Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire, while Hamas claimed possible errors due to Israeli bombings. The IDF stated the Bibas children were murdered in captivity. Hamas blamed Israeli airstrikes for Shiri’s death, accusing Netanyahu of responsibility. Hamas promised to investigate and called for the return of the Palestinian woman’s body. Noah Prescott 21/02/2025 8:00 pm
Apple has disabled its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature in the UK due to a government order demanding a backdoor for security officials. ADP offers end-to-end encryption for iCloud data, accessible only by the user. Existing UK users must manually disable ADP to retain iCloud access, with a grace period provided. Other services like iMessage and health data remain encrypted. Apple emphasizes its commitment to user data security and refuses to create backdoors. Noah Prescott 21/02/2025 8:00 pm
Hundreds of thousands of migrants have crossed the Darién Gap, with many temporarily staying in Panama and Costa Rica en route to the U.S. The Trump administration has deported over 400 migrants, including those from China, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iran, and Russia, back to these countries, leaving them in legal limbo. Costa Rica and Panama are acting as “bridge” countries. Concerns about the migrants’ treatment have arisen, but Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino denies mistreatment, asserting efforts to respect human rights in coordination with international organizations. Ava Sinclair 21/02/2025 4:30 pm
The US will end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 500,000 Haitians in August 2025, despite worsening conditions in Haiti. This decision, part of President Trump’s immigration overhaul, could lead to deportations. TPS, granted since 2010, allowed Haitians to work legally in the US. The move has faced criticism, with concerns over Haiti’s violence and instability. A similar decision for Venezuelans is legally challenged. Critics, including Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, condemn the decision as “shameful” amid Haiti’s crisis. Trump’s past claims about Haitian immigrants have been debunked. Penelope Kingsley 21/02/2025 4:30 pm
Three buses exploded in Tel Aviv area parking lots, suspected as a coordinated terrorist attack, leading Israel to halt nationwide buses and trains. No injuries were reported. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a military operation in the West Bank and increased security in cities. Unexploded bombs were found in Holon. Bat Yam’s mayor heightened security but maintained normal city activities. A suspicious bag was reported on one bus before it exploded. The incidents occurred amid tensions with Hamas. Penelope Kingsley 21/02/2025 4:30 pm
Commercial flights between Australia and New Zealand were diverted due to Chinese naval exercises off Australia’s eastern coast, sparking alarm. The drills, legal but unusual, involved sophisticated vessels and occurred during a U.S. commander’s visit. New Zealand’s Defense Minister called it a “wake-up call,” while Australia’s Defense Minister noted the event’s unusual nature. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed flight diversions as standard practice during such exercises and emphasized the need for better communication with China regarding live-fire drills. Ava Sinclair 21/02/2025 4:30 pm
Arab states are urgently seeking a diplomatic response to President Trump’s plan for U.S. control of Gaza and resettlement of Palestinians, which has angered Palestinians and disrupted longstanding U.S. diplomacy. Despite plans for a meeting in Riyadh involving Gulf states, Egypt, and Jordan, critical issues like funding Gaza’s $50 billion reconstruction and governance remain unresolved. An Egyptian proposal suggests $20 billion in funding, but no commitments are confirmed. The meeting aims to counter Trump’s plan, but details are unclear, and stakeholders are confused. Noah Prescott 21/02/2025 4:30 pm
French President Emmanuel Macron accused Russia of globalizing the Ukraine war, warning it could lead to a new world war. He criticized Russia’s use of Iranian drones and North Korean troops. Macron plans to visit Washington to persuade U.S. President Trump not to abandon the transatlantic alliance. He defended Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as democratically elected, countering Trump’s “dictator” label. Macron’s live social media session aimed to educate the French and dispel rumors, including those about a draft. Noah Prescott 21/02/2025 4:30 pm
