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- 📰 Russia advances in Kursk
📰 Russia advances in Kursk
and Europe debates conscription
Ross Crabtree
March 17, 2025
Hello,
Donald Trump is set to speak with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about ending the war in Ukraine, with negotiations reportedly covering “dividing up certain assets.”
In the Middle East, the U.S. has launched a major bombing campaign against Yemen’s Houthis, while Iran warns of consequences. In Serbia, mass protests are escalating against President Vučić, marking the largest demonstrations in the country’s modern history.
More below ⤵️
Top 5 Stories
1️⃣ 🇺🇸 USA: President Donald Trump said he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about ending the war in Ukraine, with discussions already covering “dividing up certain assets.” Trump’s envoy claimed Putin “accepts the philosophy” of Trump’s ceasefire terms, but details remain unclear. Meanwhile, Ukraine replaced its chief of general staff as its military undergoes restructuring.
2️⃣ 🇷🇺 Russia: Ukraine’s military confirmed its withdrawal from Sudzha, the largest town it had occupied in Russia’s Kursk region, after heavy Russian airstrikes. The recapture marks another gain in Russia’s offensive, with officials planning reconstruction and demining efforts. Meanwhile, Russian drones struck residential buildings in Ukraine’s Chernihiv, causing fires and damage.
3️⃣ 🇾🇪 Yemen: The United States launched a large-scale bombing campaign against Yemen’s Houthis, killing at least 31 people and wounding 101, mostly women and children, according to Yemen’s health ministry. President Trump warned of further military action unless the group halts attacks on international shipping. Iran denied direct control over the Houthis but warned of a “decisive” response if the US escalates.
4️⃣ 🇷🇸 Serbia: Tens of thousands of protesters flooded Belgrade in the largest anti-government demonstrations in modern Serbian history, sparked by a deadly railway station collapse last November. Protesters accuse the government of corruption, while President Vučić has dismissed the movement as a foreign-backed “color revolution.” Meanwhile, pro-government students have camped near parliament, guarded by security forces, as tensions continue to escalate.
5️⃣ 🇮🇱 Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, citing “ongoing distrust” amid disputes over failures leading to the October 7 Hamas attack. Opposition leaders condemned the move, accusing Netanyahu of undermining security agencies to avoid accountability. If removed, Bar would be replaced by a Netanyahu loyalist, likely slowing calls for a formal inquiry into the attack.
Major Story
Donald Trump announced plans to discuss ending the war in Ukraine with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, stating that negotiators have already talked about “dividing up certain assets.” Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said his goal is to secure a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has accepted, while Russia continues heavy strikes and advances near Kursk.
Trump mentioned land and power plants as negotiation topics but did not specify details. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, claimed Putin “accepts the philosophy” of the ceasefire but did not confirm whether Russian demands include Ukrainian troop withdrawals, recognition of seized territories, or restrictions on Ukraine’s military.
Meanwhile, Russia opposes European troops in Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussing prior US-Russia understandings. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Putin of stalling. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy replaced his military chief to improve operational effectiveness.
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Other News
1️⃣ 🇮🇹 Italy: A civil liberties report named Italy among five European countries “intentionally undermining” the rule of law, alongside Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Slovakia. Researchers cited Italy’s political interference in the judiciary and growing media restrictions under Giorgia Meloni’s government. The report warned of a deepening “democratic recession” across Europe, urging the EU to take stronger action.
2️⃣ 🇨🇦 Canada: New Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting Paris and London to strengthen alliances amid escalating tensions with Donald Trump over trade and sovereignty. Carney has no immediate plans to visit Washington but said he is open to speaking with Trump if Canada’s sovereignty is respected. His government is reviewing US-made F-35 fighter jet purchases as Trump’s tariffs and rhetoric fuel a Canadian backlash.
3️⃣ 🇪🇺 Europe: Several European nations are debating a return to conscription amid fears of Russian aggression and uncertainty over US security commitments. Lithuania, Sweden, and Latvia have already reinstated compulsory service, while Poland and Germany are considering alternative military training programs. Leaders in France, Italy, and the UK remain hesitant, citing logistical and political challenges.
4️⃣ 🇺🇸 USA: President Donald Trump signed an executive order to strip back Voice of America (VOA), accusing it of spreading “radical propaganda.” The order has sidelined nearly all of VOA’s 1,300 staff and cut funding to its parent agency, USAGM, affecting Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia. Critics, including the National Press Club, warn the move undermines press freedom and threatens independent journalism.
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