- Delta jet crashes at Canada’s Toronto Pearson Airport; crews responding to plane flipped upside down – 17.02.2025
A Delta Air Lines CRJ-900 aircraft flying from Minneapolis crashed while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport, injuring 18 people, including three in critical condition who were transported to hospitals. The plane, carrying 80 passengers and crew, overturned upon landing, leading to a brief suspension of airport operations before resuming later in the afternoon. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation, with support from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which dispatched investigators to the scene. Strong winds at the time of landing may have contributed to the crash, while recent aviation incidents worldwide have raised concerns about air travel safety.
- China anger as US amends wording on Taiwan independence – 17.02.2025
The US State Department removed a statement from its website affirming that Washington does not support Taiwan’s independence, angering China, which called the move a “serious regression” and a signal to separatist forces. While the US maintains its commitment to the “One China” policy, the updated fact sheet now expresses support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations “where applicable.” Taiwan’s Foreign Minister welcomed the change as “Taiwan-friendly,” while Beijing urged the US to correct its stance, accusing it of using Taiwan to contain China. The American Institute in Taiwan clarified that the update reflects the US’ long-standing unofficial relationship with Taiwan and opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo.
- Experts give up hope for 157 false killer whales stranded on a beach in Australia’s Tasmania state – 20.02.2025
Marine experts have abandoned efforts to rescue 157 false killer whales stranded on a remote beach in Tasmania, citing unfavorable ocean and weather conditions that are expected to persist for days. The whales were discovered near Arthur River, and attempts to refloat some were unsuccessful as they repeatedly restranded. The incident marks Tasmania’s first false killer whale stranding since 1974, with experts planning to examine carcasses for possible causes. Residents who discovered the whales described a tragic scene, with many sinking into the sand. Mass strandings are not uncommon in Tasmania, with previous large-scale events involving pilot whales in 2020 and 2022, though the reasons for such incidents remain unclear.
- Trump warns Zelenskyy to quickly negotiate war’s end with Russia or risk not having a nation to lead – 20.02.2025
President Donald Trump warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to “move fast” in negotiating an end to Russia’s invasion, or risk losing his nation. Trump’s comments, which criticized Zelenskyy for allegedly misusing U.S. aid and being a “dictator without elections,” sparked backlash from both Democrats and Republicans. Zelenskyy accused Trump of falling into a Russian disinformation trap, while Vice President JD Vance warned against publicly criticizing the new president. Trump suggested that only his administration could end the war, a claim contested by many, including Democratic lawmakers, who criticized Trump’s rhetoric and blamed Russia for starting the war. Trump’s harsh stance on Ukraine’s handling of negotiations, particularly over a proposed agreement involving rare earth minerals, has raised concerns, with Ukrainian officials questioning his approach.
- Trump Fires Joint Chiefs Chairman Amid Flurry of Dismissals at Pentagon – 21.02.2025
President Trump dismissed six senior Pentagon officials, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown Jr., breaking the long-standing tradition of military leadership continuity across administrations and nominating retired Lieutenant General Dan Caine as his replacement. Trump justified the decision by criticizing the military’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also targeted military lawyers for imposing what he called unnecessary battlefield restrictions. General Brown was reportedly sidelined from key meetings and not integrated into Trump’s inner circle, signaling his eventual removal. The selection process for General Caine was conducted swiftly and within a small group of senior officials, raising questions about its transparency. Since General Caine does not meet the statutory experience requirements for the position, it remains unclear whether he will require Senate approval or a waiver. The decision has sparked debate over its potential impact on military morale, institutional stability, and the politicization of the armed forces.
- Europe Vows to Step Up Baltic Sea Security After a New Cable Break – 21.02.2025
The European Union announced new measures to enhance security in the Baltic Sea following Sweden’s discovery of damage to another undersea cable near Gotland. Recent incidents of severed cables in the region have raised concerns about potential Russian sabotage in retaliation for NATO support of Ukraine. The EU’s initiative aims to prevent, detect, and respond to threats to submarine cables while increasing funding for new infrastructure and strengthening sanctions enforcement. NATO has also launched a new patrol operation, Baltic Sentry, to protect critical infrastructure. The latest damaged cable, likely the C-Lion1 linking Finland and Germany, remains operational despite minor damage. Finnish and Swedish authorities have launched investigations, with Finland’s interior minister suggesting an accident is unlikely. The incidents add to growing tensions, as Sweden previously investigated damage to another cable between Sweden and Latvia, suspecting “gross sabotage” linked to Russia’s shadow fleet activities.
- Pope Francis in Critical Condition After ‘Respiratory Crisis,’ Vatican Says – 22.02.2025
Pope Francis remains in critical condition after experiencing a severe respiratory crisis requiring oxygen therapy and a blood transfusion. The 88-year-old pontiff, hospitalized since February 14 with pneumonia, is facing growing concerns about his health, with speculation about a possible resignation. Despite the seriousness of his condition, the Vatican reports that Francis remains alert but in pain. His medical team struggles to balance treatment due to his fragile state, with intermittent oxygen use and low platelet counts. This marks his fourth hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital, following previous surgeries and respiratory infections. While his heart remains strong, his chronic lung issues and overall frailty pose significant risks.
- Israel indefinitely delays Palestinian prisoner release as hostages freed – 23.02.2025
Israel has indefinitely delayed the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, linking it to Hamas guaranteeing the next hostage transfer. Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement, while Hamas called the decision an excuse to evade its commitments. The move came after six Israeli hostages, including four abducted in the October 7, 2023 attack, were released. As the first phase of the ceasefire nears its end, uncertainty remains over the release of surviving hostages. While Israel and Hamas continue to exchange accusations, mediators are working to prevent the deal from collapsing. Meanwhile, Israel’s military operations in Gaza continue, resulting in rising civilian casualties.
- https://www.foxnews.com/world/delta-crash-reported-canadas-toronto-pearson-airport-crews-responding-upside-down
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyzy300vlzo
- https://apnews.com/article/australia-tasmania-false-killer-whales-stranded-aa55e662e9d33fe0962dda7144d2e3aa
- https://apnews.com/article/trump-zelenskyy-ukraine-russia-war-7d18400b935166773bbd3b3323c8aa5f
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/us/politics/trump-fires-cq-brown-pentagon.html
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/world/europe/baltic-sea-cable-sweden.html
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/world/europe/pope-francis-critical-condition.html
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjry4nqw4z0o
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