Peace in Ukraine just out of reach
Despite a U.S. push for a settlement, peace still remains just out of reach in Ukraine, even after four years of war with Russia. Last month, when Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine surpassed 1,418 days, it officially exceeded a historical milestone, according to AP News. After four years of invasions, Russia is still struggling to fully capture Ukraine, currently occupying about 20% of Ukrainian territory. However, over the last two years, Russian troops have only moved approximately 50 kilometers into eastern Ukraine. Despite this slow pace, President Vladimir Putin has maintained his high expectations in U.S.-mediated peace talks. In exchange for peace, Putin demands Kyiv pull its forces from the four Ukrainian regions that Moscow illegally annexed but never fully captured.
Trump plans summit to China
President Trump is scheduled to travel to China on Mar. 31 with plans to meet with President Xi Jinping for a three-day trip. While this summit is expected to be a major affair, friction over trade, technology, and Taiwan could negatively impact the mood. Currently, the Chinese government has not confirmed the dates for President Trump’s arrival; however, they tend to hold off from announcing major plans for international visits. President Trump told the New York Times last week that he has a good relationship with President Xi and that his visit was going to be “a wild one.”
Former Prince Andrew arrested in connection to Epstein
Former Prince Andrew was arrested by British police on Thursday, Feb. 22, on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his connection with Jeffrey Epstein, according to AP News. For the first time in almost four centuries, a senior member of the British royal family has been arrested, ending a long history of institutional protection against such scandals. King Charles III issued a rare statement on his brother’s arrest, noting that the law must take its course and he would not comment further. After being in custody for approximately 11 hours, Andrew was released under investigation Thursday evening, meaning at this time he has neither been charged nor exonerated.
