Trump, Putin Discuss 30-Day Ukraine Ceasefire, Prisoner Swap in 2-Hour Call

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:50pm on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 2-hour call discussing a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine and a prisoner swap of 175 captives from each side. Putin agreed to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities and begin talks on maritime security in the Black Sea. He also emphasized stopping foreign military aid to Ukraine. Trump proposed mutual cooperation on global security and Middle East stability. Putin welcomed Trump's appeal to spare Ukrainian troops surrounded in Kursk. Both leaders expressed interest in improving US-Russia relations, with Trump supporting Putin’s idea of hockey matches between NHL and KHL teams.

Read More at News18

EU, UK, And France Demand Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Be Respected, Condemn Civilian Deaths In Gaza

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:01pm on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International

European Council President Antonio Costa condemned Israeli attacks on Gaza, saying, “Violence must stop.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called reports of civilian deaths “appalling” and urged dialogue. France’s Foreign Ministry demanded Israel protect civilians and restore aid while urging Hamas to release hostages. The leaders emphasized implementing the ceasefire fully, citing worsening humanitarian conditions. Costa added, “All hostages and detainees must be released.” France also criticized Israel’s blockade on water, food, and electricity. Calls for an immediate ceasefire continue as fighting intensifies.

Read More at Al Jazeera

Trump-Putin Call Lasts Over 2 Hours, Ukraine Ceasefire Discussed

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:25pm on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International

US President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a two-hour call, discussing a potential Ukraine ceasefire. This follows Trump's 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Putin said he supports but wants more details. Before the call, Trump mentioned land and power plant control as key topics. Ukrainian officials had accepted the US proposal after talks in Saudi Arabia, but President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains skeptical. The White House called the talks “going good,” while Putin’s spokesperson confirmed discussions on US-Russia relations. Trump emphasized urgency, stating, “We’re going to see if we can work a peace agreement.”

Read More at India Today

Israelis Protest In Jerusalem Against Gaza Strikes As Death Toll Exceeds 400, Hostage Families Demand Action

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:24pm on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International

Protests erupted in Jerusalem as families of Israeli hostages and demonstrators condemned the renewed Gaza strikes. Lishi Lavie-Miran, whose husband was taken captive on October 7, warned lawmakers she wouldn’t "be responsible for her actions" if he was killed. Samuel, a reservist, accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political reasons. Student Noga Kaplan held a sign reading "Bibi must go," urging a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed over 400 people in Gaza, according to Hamas authorities. Netanyahu vowed increased military action, blaming Hamas for rejecting hostage release proposals.

Read More at BBC

Trump To Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire With Putin As Peace Talks Progress

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:15pm on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International

US President Donald Trump will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday regarding a US-backed Ukraine ceasefire proposal. The deal, discussed in Saudi Arabia last week, includes a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has accepted. Trump stated that “many elements” of an agreement are in place but key issues remain. Russia, while supporting a ceasefire, questions its enforcement. France and the UK urged Putin to show commitment, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of prolonging the war. Talks may address land disputes and control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

Read More at BBC

White House Says Hamas Chose War By Refusing To Release Hostages

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:36pm on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International

The White House said Hamas had "chosen war" by refusing to release hostages, leading to Israel's heaviest strikes since the ceasefire. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated, "Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war." Israel vowed to continue military operations until all hostages are returned. The offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 400 deaths. Tensions remain high as diplomatic efforts for peace struggle. The U.S. reaffirmed support for Israel’s right to self-defense while urging a resolution to the humanitarian crisis.

Read More at NDTV

Hamas Says Its Government Head, Israeli Hostage Among 400 Killed In Gaza Strikes

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:01pm on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International

Hamas announced its head of government was killed as Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza, killing 400 people and ending a two-month ceasefire. Israel vowed stronger military action after Hamas refused to release hostages. Strikes targeted multiple locations, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting many child casualties. Hamas claimed an Israeli hostage was among the dead. Hospitals, overwhelmed by casualties, saw bodies stacked in plastic sheets. Israeli PM Netanyahu ordered intensified operations, warning actions would extend beyond airstrikes. Military officials hinted at a potential ground assault. The fate of 59 remaining hostages in Gaza remains uncertain.

Read More at News18

Trump Administration Deports Hundreds Despite Judge’s Order Blocking Removals

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:38pm on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International

The Trump administration deported hundreds of Venezuelans and Salvadorans despite a U.S. judge’s order blocking the removals. Judge James Boasberg had halted deportations under Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, but flights were already en route to El Salvador and Honduras. Trump defended the move, calling the immigrants “bad people” and describing migration as “an invasion.” El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele agreed to house 300 deportees in high-security prisons. Critics warned Trump’s declaration could be misused to expel Venezuelans without due process. The Justice Department has appealed the ruling, with a hearing set for Friday.

Read More at AP News

Israel Says It's Continuing Strikes Across Gaza, As Hamas Ministry Says More Than 400 Killed

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:08pm on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International

Israel is carrying out "extensive" airstrikes across Gaza after ceasefire talks collapsed, with Hamas’ health ministry reporting over 400 deaths. The Israeli military says it is targeting Hamas, accusing the group of rejecting proposals to extend the ceasefire and refusing to release hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "act against Hamas with increasing military strength." Hamas condemned the attacks, calling them assaults on "defenceless civilians," and urged mediators to hold Israel responsible. Israel claims 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with up to 24 alive. A hostage family group accused the government of abandoning captives by resuming attacks.

Read More at BBC

Biden Faces Uncertainty As Trump Declares Presidential Pardons "Null, Void"

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:06pm on 18 Mar 2025,Tuesday International

Former US President Donald Trump declared Joe Biden’s last-minute presidential pardons, including one for Hunter Biden, "null and void," alleging they were signed via autopen without Biden’s awareness. Trump claimed those pardoned would face investigations, accusing Biden’s team of misconduct. While US presidents hold absolute pardon power, Trump suggested courts should determine their validity. Legal experts note the Constitution does not require pardons to be handwritten. If enforced, Trump’s move could lead to prosecutions of political opponents. The Justice Department has yet to respond, but the announcement could escalate political and legal battles in Washington.

Read More at NDTV

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