US President Donald Trump is expected to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week to finalise a Ukraine peace deal. “There is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end,” Trump said after talks with Putin. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Putin accepted the ceasefire proposal. A 30-day truce has been agreed upon, but some details remain unsettled. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy accused Russia of delaying peace. “Russia seeks to prolong the war,” he said. Talks include Ukraine, Russia, and European nations like the UK, France, and Norway.

The US carried out air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, killing at least 31 people. The Houthis called it “aggression” and promised to respond with more attacks in the Red Sea. They say they will keep targeting ships until Israel lifts its Gaza blockade. President Trump warned of more strikes if the attacks continue. Iran condemned the US action, while Russia urged peace talks. Global trade remains disrupted as shipping companies avoid the Red Sea. The conflict is escalating, with fears of more violence in the region.

In February 2025, President Donald Trump implemented 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, along with a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing. These tariffs have driven up consumer prices, with estimates showing an annual increase of $2,400 per person. The agricultural sector faces higher costs, leading to rising grocery bills. Economists warn of potential inflation and reduced U.S. business competitiveness. While Trump's supporters praise his trade policies, economic uncertainties could influence voter sentiment in upcoming elections. The tariffs have sparked debates on their long-term economic impact and geopolitical consequences.

Fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, killed 59 people and injured over 155. The fire started around 2:30 AM when sparks from pyrotechnics hit a flammable ceiling. The club was packed with 1,500 people attending a concert by hip-hop duo DNK. Videos showed people trying to put out the fire instead of evacuating. Authorities arrested the club owner and issued more warrants. Many victims were between 14 and 24 years old. The government plans seven days of mourning and inspections of public venues. Eighteen injured people are in critical condition.

On March 15, 2025, an Israeli airstrike killed at least nine Palestinians, including three local journalists, in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza. The strike targeted a car carrying members of the Al-Khair Foundation, with several casualties both inside and outside the vehicle. The attack, which occurred during ongoing ceasefire discussions in Cairo between Hamas leaders and mediators, highlighted the fragility of the ceasefire agreement signed on January 19. In addition, two more fatalities were reported from central Gaza, exacerbating tensions as the ceasefire talks continue.

Fabian Schmidt, a 34-year-old German national with a valid US green card, was detained at Logan Airport in Massachusetts on March 7. His family says he was "stripped naked, violently interrogated," and later sent to a detention centre. "It was just said that his green card was flagged," his mother, Astrid Senior, said. She called his treatment "humiliating and abusive." Schmidt had legally renewed his green card in 2023. US Customs and Border Protection stated, "If statutes or visa terms are violated, travellers may be subject to detention and removal," but did not disclose details of his case.

A catastrophic fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, has resulted in at least 59 fatalities and over 100 injuries. The blaze erupted around 2:35 a.m. during a performance by a local pop band, reportedly ignited by indoor pyrotechnics that set the roof alight. Panic ensued as approximately 1,500 attendees scrambled to escape the rapidly spreading flames. Emergency services transported victims to hospitals in Kocani and Skopje, with some in critical condition. Authorities have issued arrest warrants for four individuals connected to the incident, including the club's owner, as investigations continue. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed profound sorrow, pledging comprehensive support for the affected families.

With the rise of a more transactional U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump, Europe is facing uncertainties about its defense against Russia. U.S. Vice President JD Vance urged Europe to "step up" and enhance its defense spending, including aid to Ukraine. In response, European leaders are considering an alternative: a European nuclear umbrella. While the U.S. remains a major nuclear power, France (290 warheads) and the UK (225 Trident missiles) are also key players, with growing discussions about bolstering Europe's defense with British or French nuclear capabilities, given concerns about U.S. reliability.  

On Sunday, a suicide car bomber targeted a convoy of buses carrying security forces in Naushki, Balochistan, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of at least five officers and injuries to ten others. The critically injured were transported to a nearby hospital. Following the bombing, separatist rebels from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) opened fire on the buses; authorities responded by killing at least four attackers. This incident follows a recent train hijacking by the BLA, where approximately 400 people were taken hostage, leading to 26 hostage deaths before security forces intervened, killing 33 attackers. The BLA has been demanding independence, citing alleged discrimination by the central government.

On March 16, 2025, a Pakistani military convoy traveling from Quetta to Taftan was attacked near Noshki, Balochistan. Official reports confirm seven soldiers killed and 21 injured, while the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims 90 military personnel were killed. The assault involved a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), suspected to be a suicide attack, and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), resulting in the complete destruction of one bus. Army Aviation helicopters evacuated the injured, and drones were deployed for area surveillance. This incident follows a recent BLA hijacking of a train with nearly 440 passengers, highlighting escalating tensions in the region.