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The Kremlin announced on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has communicated with US President Donald Trump regarding a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, relayed through Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that there are grounds for "cautious optimism" following late-night discussions between Putin and Witkoff, during which Putin expressed support for Trump's settlement position while raising some questions that need to be addressed collaboratively. Kyiv has already accepted the ceasefire proposal, and Peskov emphasized that while much work remains, Putin's signals to Trump suggest a willingness to engage. The timing for a potential phone call between the two leaders will be arranged after Witkoff briefs Trump on the discussions. 
Published: Mar 14 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn a significant diplomatic development, G7 foreign ministers, gathered in Quebec, have issued a unified statement endorsing a US-led proposal for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly highlighted the consensus among the member nations—Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States—despite tensions stemming from President Donald Trump's previous outreach to Moscow. Joly emphasized that the proposal, which has the support of Ukraine, is now contingent on Russia's response, stating, "the ball is now in Russia's court." The talks gained momentum following a meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine expressed support for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. This shift in diplomacy marks a notable moment in the ongoing conflict that escalated after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA recent fire incident involving an Air Busan passenger plane at Gimhae International Airport has raised alarms about the safety of portable power banks. The fire, which occurred on January 28 and resulted in three passengers suffering minor injuries, is believed to have been ignited by a power bank found in the overhead luggage compartment. Preliminary investigations by South Korea's transport ministry suggest a breakdown in the battery's insulation may have triggered the blaze, although the exact cause remains undetermined. This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries, known for their potential to overheat and ignite when damaged. In response, airlines globally have long prohibited power banks in checked luggage, with the International Civil Aviation Organisation banning them from cargo holds since 2016. Following the fire, Air Busan has tightened its policies, and other airlines, including Singapore Airlines, are set to implement similar restrictions on power banks.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufay'i, known as Abu Khadija, the leader of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, describing him as a significant global terrorist threat. Al-Rufay'i was killed by Iraqi security forces with assistance from the US-led coalition combating Islamic State. The group, notorious for its brutal rule over millions in Syria and Iraq, has been attempting to regain influence in the region and beyond. Following the death of former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019, the group has faced significant setbacks. However, the US Central Command reported in July that Islamic State has been trying to reconstitute itself, citing a surge in attacks—153 claimed in the first half of 2024—suggesting a troubling resurgence in its operational capabilities.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inFormer Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attended the International Criminal Court (ICC) hearing via videolink on Friday, as he faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial anti-drug campaign. The 79-year-old, who appeared frail and sleepy, confirmed his identity but did not actively participate in the proceedings due to reported health issues. His lawyer claimed Duterte was "abducted" to The Hague, characterizing the situation as "extrajudicial rendition" or "kidnapping." The presiding judge allowed him to follow the hearing in absentia, noting that a court doctor deemed him mentally fit. Duterte is accused of orchestrating a campaign that allegedly resulted in tens of thousands of extrajudicial killings targeting drug users and dealers. The case has sparked mixed reactions in the Philippines, with victims' families seeking justice while supporters claim he was unfairly treated. The next hearing is scheduled for September 23.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inLVMH is set to propose an amendment to raise the age limit for its CEO and chairman to 85, enabling Bernard Arnault, 76, to extend his leadership of the luxury goods giant. Arnault, who founded LVMH and has transformed it into the world's largest luxury brand, currently holds both titles and is the wealthiest individual outside the US. Despite his five children, aged 27 to 49, working within the company—four of whom are board members—he has not yet named a successor. Shareholders will vote on the proposed age limit change at the upcoming general meeting on April 17, following a previous increase to 80 in 2022. The Arnault family maintains significant control over LVMH, owning 49% of its capital and 64.8% of voting rights. In 2024, the company reported a net profit of €12.55 billion ($14 billion) on sales of €84.7 billion.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 8 pmeznews.inIn a recent statement on Truth Social, former US President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding the potential resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, following what he described as "very good and productive discussions" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump indicated that there is a "very good chance" the "horrible, bloody war" could come to an end, emphasizing his request for Putin to spare the lives of Ukrainian soldiers who are "completely surrounded." His comments come amid ongoing international efforts to mediate the conflict, highlighting a rare moment of dialogue between the two leaders. Trump's remarks reflect a broader desire for peace in the region, although the feasibility of such discussions remains uncertain given the complexities of the ongoing war.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe UN migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is facing significant layoffs, with around 20% of its Geneva headquarters staff expected to be affected, amounting to over 200 employees. This follows recent cuts that saw 3,000 staff let go, mainly from the US refugee resettlement program, which has been halted by the Trump administration. Employees described a painful atmosphere, with reports of staff leaving meetings in tears. While the IOM has not confirmed the full extent of the layoffs, a spokesperson acknowledged necessary adjustments to maintain operational efficiency. The agency, which relies on the US for over 40% of its funding, has been severely impacted by cuts to foreign aid. Employees expressed frustration over the handling of the layoffs, especially as IOM’s director general was seen dancing during a recent visit, prompting outrage among staff facing job loss.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 7 pmeznews.inChina has called for an end to "illegal" sanctions on Iran during a meeting with Iranian and Russian diplomats in Beijing, aimed at reviving stalled negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program. The discussions come in the wake of the US's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal under former President Donald Trump, which had limited Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for political solutions and urged the US to demonstrate sincerity in returning to talks. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful, attributing the current crisis to the US's unilateral actions. The meeting also highlighted trilateral cooperation among China, Iran, and Russia against US sanctions. Meanwhile, tensions escalated as the US imposed new sanctions on Iranian officials and vessels linked to oil transport to China, as Iran increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 5 pmeznews.inElon Musk's Tesla has experienced a significant decline in global sales, with a staggering $120 billion drop in net worth since he became politically active. The company has raised concerns over President Donald Trump's tariffs, warning that they could adversely affect US manufacturers. In a letter to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Tesla called for careful consideration of the potential downstream impacts of trade actions, noting that previous tariffs have led to retaliatory measures from other countries, adversely impacting electric vehicle exports. Recent sales figures reflect the turmoil, with a nearly 70% drop in Germany and substantial declines across Europe, including a 50% decrease in Portugal and 45% in France. Amidst these challenges, Trump publicly supported Tesla, purchasing a Model X while dismissing claims of a boycott against the company. Tesla urged for a phased approach to any trade actions to allow US companies adequate preparation and compliance.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 6 pmeznews.inHamas announced its readiness to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander and the remains of four other dual nationals amid ongoing indirect ceasefire talks with Israel, which resumed in Doha. The initial truce phase ended on March 1 without further agreement, despite Hamas having previously released 33 hostages in exchange for approximately 1,800 Palestinian detainees. Tensions remain high as Hamas demands the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the strategic Philadelphi corridor, citing it as a sticking point in negotiations. Israeli military actions continue, including recent airstrikes in Gaza, while aid flows have been halted, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Former US President Joe Biden proposed a second phase of the ceasefire that includes the release of remaining hostages and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed reports of a proposed extension to the ceasefire, while the conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
Published: Mar 14 2025, 6 pm
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