President Putin kept President Trump waiting over an hour for a scheduled phone call concerning the Ukraine conflict. The delay occurred because Putin remained at a business congress in Moscow, dismissing concerns about the lateness. The call eventually commenced around 10 a.m. EST, after Putin’s departure from the congress. Trump aimed to mediate a ceasefire and peace plan between Russia and Ukraine during the conversation.
Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Iqaluit marked the launch of a $6 billion+ investment in a joint Canada-Australia Arctic early warning radar system, bolstering NORAD modernization efforts. Simultaneously, $420 million will enhance the Canadian Armed Forces’ year-round Arctic presence. Further, $253 million is allocated for Nunavut infrastructure upgrades, including housing and energy projects. These initiatives aim to strengthen Arctic security, bolster alliances, and advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities. The investments also recognize shifting global dynamics and the need for independent Canadian defence.
Following a Trump-Putin call, a purported “movement to peace” was announced, focusing on an energy and infrastructure ceasefire. However, Russia’s immediate resumption of attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, as evidenced by Zelenskyy’s report of drone strikes, contradicted this claim. Putin’s demands for an end to Western aid to Ukraine further complicated the situation, fueling European anxieties about the viability of any peace deal. This unease was evident at a major security conference in India, where the war’s impact and the role of potential intermediaries were heavily discussed.
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A recent global democracy report reveals a grim reality: autocracies now outnumber democracies for the first time in two decades, with nearly three-quarters of the world’s population living under autocratic rule. The United States, currently categorized as an “electoral democracy,” faces a potential downgrade to “electoral autocracy” due to President Trump’s rapid erosion of democratic norms. This erosion includes unprecedented actions such as mass pardons of political allies, disregard for court orders, and direct attacks on the judiciary and independent institutions. Experts warn that the speed of these actions mirrors, and even surpasses, similar moves by authoritarian leaders in other countries, creating an extremely precarious situation for American democracy.
A recent daily Crossword puzzle attracted 33,571 players. The game’s popularity highlights its continued appeal. Participants competed for the fastest completion time. This data provides a benchmark for future players to compare their performance against.
Vladimir Putin has made a complete halt to Western arms supplies to Ukraine a prerequisite for any ceasefire agreement, according to Moscow sources. While Russia desires a cessation of all aid, minimally it seeks an end to US military assistance, with the suspension intended to be temporary. This demand, however, faces significant opposition from European officials, who voice concerns about Russia rearming during a truce while Ukraine remains vulnerable. Putin’s position, relayed through Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, comes amidst ongoing US efforts to broker a 30-day ceasefire.
In this letter to *Corriere della Sera*’s editor-in-chief, Pope Francis expresses gratitude for support received during his recent illness, a time when the absurdity of war became even more apparent. He urges a renewed focus on peace and disarmament, emphasizing the power of words to build or destroy. The Pope calls for revitalized diplomacy, stronger international organizations, and a religious contribution to fostering fraternity and justice. Ultimately, he advocates for a united effort toward peace, requiring commitment, reflection, and careful communication.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection data reveals a nearly 500,000-person decrease in Canadian land border crossings to the U.S. in February 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching levels last seen during post-COVID travel restrictions. This sharp decline, coinciding with President Trump’s trade war and annexationist rhetoric, is attributed by experts to a combination of factors including retaliatory tariffs, concerns about increased border enforcement, and a deliberate effort by Canadians to boycott U.S. travel. The drop is impacting businesses reliant on cross-border traffic, with reports of significant sales decreases in border towns and duty-free shops. Statistics Canada corroborates this trend, showing a substantial decrease in Canadian return trips from the U.S. by automobile.
Ukraine’s newly deployed Neptune cruise missile, boasting a range exceeding 600 miles, has successfully struck targets deep within Russia, including an oil refinery near President Putin’s residence. This combat-proven missile, years in development, places Moscow within its striking distance. The successful deployment comes amidst tense ceasefire negotiations involving the U.S., and despite Russia’s rejection of the proposed terms, the development significantly alters the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
John Q. Hosedrinker