- Geopolitics Daily
- Posts
- 📰 US carrier collision
📰 US carrier collision
and NATO in crisis
Ross Crabtree
February 15, 2025
Good afternoon from London,
In the last 24 hours, the Munich Security Conference has become a battleground for competing visions of global security, with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy warning of a broader Russian war, and NATO unity under strain.
In the Middle East, Hamas prepares to release hostages as Israel threatens renewed strikes, and the USS Harry S. Truman collides with a merchant vessel near the Suez Canal.
More below ⤵️
Top 5 Stories
🇺🇦 Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of launching a drone attack on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, causing “significant” damage to the protective structure over Reactor 4. A fire was extinguished, and radiation levels remain stable, according to Ukrainian authorities.
🇮🇱 Israel/Gaza: Hamas has named three hostages—Russian-Israeli Alexander Troufanov, Argentine-Israeli Yair Horn, and US-Israeli Sagui Dekel-Chen—set for release on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel has warned it will resume bombing if the release is delayed, while President Trump called for scrapping the ceasefire if all hostages are not freed by midday Saturday.
🇩🇪 Germany: World leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance and Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, have gathered at the Munich Security Conference amid concerns over global security and NATO unity. President Trump’s shift in policy, including ruling out Ukraine’s NATO membership and resuming direct talks with Putin, has deepened divisions between the US and Europe.
🇺🇦 Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned at the Munich Security Conference that Russia could attack NATO next year if it is not deterred by security guarantees. He emphasized the need for strong security commitments to Ukraine in any peace talks and claimed intelligence suggests Putin is preparing for a broader war.
🇬🇧 UK/🇺🇸 US: Concerns are growing that UK exports could face higher US tariffs after President Donald Trump announced plans for “reciprocal tariffs” based on VAT. Analysts warn that UK businesses could see tariffs of 20% or more, impacting key sectors like cars, pharmaceuticals, and food.
Major Story
🇬🇧 UK/ 🇺🇦 Ukraine: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukraine remains on an “irreversible path” to NATO membership, reaffirming the UK’s support. In a phone call, Starmer emphasized that there could be no negotiations about Ukraine without its involvement and that Kyiv required strong security guarantees and lethal aid. His remarks follow Donald Trump’s claim that he and Vladimir Putin discussed a ceasefire, with Trump stating he was “OK” with Ukraine not joining NATO. The US defense secretary also ruled out Ukraine’s NATO membership and the return of occupied territories. European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, rejected concessions to Russia, with Macron calling a peace deal “capitulation.” The UK also imposed new sanctions on Russian officials.
Promotion
Unlock exclusive insights with our premium weekly newsletter.
Discover stories that flew under the radar.
Explore next week’s geopolitical milestones.
Weekly updates on the world’s most critical regions.
Help us take Horizon Geopolitics to the next level! Support the channel and fuel the creation of even better, high-quality content.
Other News
🇺🇸 US: The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman collided with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt, in the Mediterranean Sea. The U.S. Navy reported no injuries or flooding, and the ship’s propulsion remains unaffected. An investigation is underway into the incident, which occurred in a key maritime transit zone near the Suez Canal.
🇮🇳 India/🇫🇷 France: India and France have signed a letter of intent to develop small modular nuclear reactors, aiming to enhance energy security and transition to a low-carbon economy. The move follows India’s plans to amend its strict nuclear liability law, which has delayed past projects.
🇧🇪 Belgium: NATO is in disarray after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that America’s primary security focus is no longer Europe. He stated that Ukraine will not reclaim all its territory, will not join NATO, and that the U.S. will not participate in any future peacekeeping force.
🇸🇩 Sudan/🇷🇺 Russia: Sudan has confirmed that Russia’s first naval base in Africa will proceed after years of delays. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Ahmed al-Sharif said there are “no obstacles” to the Red Sea facility, originally agreed upon in 2020. The move strengthens Russia’s military presence in the region, joining US and Chinese bases in nearby Djibouti.
Tips & Suggestions
Before we see you again:
We welcome your news tips and suggestions for regular sections, just let us know the stories you want to see covered here: [email protected]
Weekly Updates?
Want weekly updates as well as daily?
Subscribe to our sister publication Geopolitics Weekly here ⤵️
Book Shelf
Here are some books we recommend 📚: