Bulgarian prosecutors are seeking parliamentary approval to arrest two Vazrazhdane party MPs, Ivaylo Chorbov and Slavcho Krumov, for vandalism and attempted arson at the European Commission building in Sofia. Chorbov faces charges related to property damage and arson, while Krumov is implicated in throwing incendiary devices. Two other Vazrazhdane MPs are under investigation for hooliganism, though arrest warrants weren’t requested. This incident, following a protest against Bulgaria’s eurozone entry, reflects escalating tensions between the pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party and other Bulgarian political forces.
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Lord Mandelson proposed a peace initiative requiring Ukrainian support for a U.S.-led ceasefire, with Ukraine initiating the truce and defying Russia to reciprocate. However, the UK government distanced itself from this proposal, stating it’s not official policy and that discussions with allies are ongoing. The UK’s focus remains on forging a coalition to deploy peacekeeping troops, contingent on sustained U.S. air support. A reported Franco-British proposal for a one-month truce lacked confirmation from the UK government.
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The UK government has announced a substantial £1.6 billion deal with Thales to supply Ukraine with 5,000 LMM air defense missiles, significantly expanding on a previous contract. This forms part of a four-point plan for achieving peace and defending Ukraine, with a potential further £500 million investment possible. A Ukrainian partner will produce launchers and command systems, and the deal is expected to create and sustain hundreds of jobs in the UK. The increased missile supply aims to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against ongoing attacks and deter future Russian aggression.
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Former President Trump claimed on Truth Social that he is the only president to have not ceded Ukrainian land to Russia, contrasting his record with that of the current administration and the Democratic Party. He teased a significant announcement for the following day, promising unvarnished truth. This follows recent tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, including accusations from Secretary of State Rubio of Zelenskyy obstructing peace efforts. The conflict highlights ongoing disagreements over US policy toward Ukraine.
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Despite recent strained relations with the U.S. under President Trump, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy remains confident in continued American support for Ukraine’s war effort against Russia. He highlighted the strong U.S.-Ukraine partnership built over three years of conflict, emphasizing that the relationship extends beyond individual administrations. However, European leaders, such as German leader Friedrich Merz, expressed concern over Trump’s apparent overtures to Putin and the potential destabilization of the transatlantic alliance, urging increased European security efforts. A peace deal remains distant.
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President Trump will reportedly convene a March 3 meeting to discuss potential policy changes regarding U.S. military aid to Ukraine, including halting shipments of weapons authorized under the Biden administration. This follows a contentious White House meeting between Trump and President Zelensky. The decision to potentially cut aid comes amidst internal administration debate and despite repeated Ukrainian requests for continued support. A concurrent European initiative aims to establish a “coalition of the willing” to negotiate a ceasefire, contingent on strong U.S. backing.
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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed bewilderment over reports that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has directed a cessation of offensive cyber operations against Russia. This decision reportedly impacts U.S. Cyber Command’s activities. The halt comes despite the European Union’s ongoing experience of frequent Russian cyberattacks. News outlets confirmed the reported stand-down order from Hegseth.
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A London summit, hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, forged a “coalition of the willing” to provide Ukraine with security guarantees for a peace agreement, including continued military aid and bolstering Ukraine’s defenses. The summit, attended by leaders from over a dozen countries including Canada and Ukraine’s President Zelensky, aimed to present a united front in response to President Trump’s wavering support and pro-Kremlin stance. While Canada hasn’t committed troops to a peacekeeping mission, Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed Canada’s willingness to contribute militarily, and several European nations pledged increased defense spending. The summit concluded with plans for a more detailed proposal to be presented to President Trump.
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The Independent relies on donations to fund its unbiased journalism covering crucial issues such as reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, ensuring access to factual reporting for all Americans. Conan O’Brien’s Academy Awards joke about “standing up to a powerful Russian,” referencing the film *Anora*, drew significant praise and was interpreted by many as a subtle critique of Donald Trump’s relationship with Vladimir Putin. This occurred following a widely criticized meeting between Zelensky, Trump, and Vance, where Trump drew parallels between his own and Putin’s alleged “witch hunts.” The joke’s timing and context amplified its resonance.
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Following a summit hosted by Starmer, European leaders pledged increased defense spending, echoing a similar statement from NATO chief Rutte. This commitment, spurred by a perceived unreliability of U.S. leadership after a strained Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, aims to bolster a joint UK, France, and Ukraine peace plan for presentation to the U.S. The summit emphasized the need for Europe to take a more proactive role in its own security. The absence of U.S. representation underscored Europe’s growing autonomy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker