Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa expected to attend donors’ summit in Brussels in his first visit to Europe.

Germany Backs European Army

✅ 84% say it’s a good idea.
❌ 12% oppose it.

Source: ZDF

Germany’s Volkswagen is considering manufacturing equipment for the German Army as Europe accelerates its rearmament.

With Germany’s car exports down 50% from pre-pandemic levels, automakers have spare capacity.

The United Nations voted in favor of the creation of an International Day of Hope.

The only country to vote against: United States.

Even North Korea voted for it.

Putin is unlikely to accept a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, Russian sources say.

A senior Russian source told Reuters:

“Putin has a strong position because Russia is advancing.”

Kremlin:

No need to rush Russia's response to 30-day ceasefire proposal in Ukraine.

Made in the USA, Operated by the USA… For Australia?

Australia is increasingly concerned that the nuclear-powered submarines promised under the AUKUS security pact with the U.S. and the UK may never arrive.

In 2021, Australia scrapped a €56 billion submarine deal with France to join the AUKUS pact with the U.S. and UK, opting for nuclear-powered vessels.

The move strained ties with France but was seen as a strategic shift in Indo-Pacific security.

Years later, Australia still has no firm delivery guarantees. Even if delivered, the submarines may be U.S.-operated, limiting Australia’s autonomy.

As The Guardian’s Ben Doherty warns:

“These submarines could fly the American flag, carry American weapons, and be controlled by American officers. Australia risks becoming nothing more than an operational base for U.S. power projection.”

Source: The Guardian Australia, Marianne

German-supplied Ukrainian IRIS-T air defense system intercepts and destroys a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile.

🇨🇳 China’s Expanding Footprint in Africa’s Ports

Dozens of Chinese-financed port projects across the continent.

Multiple ports hosting PLA Navy port calls and naval exercises.

Djibouti remains China’s first official overseas naval base.

Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, and Tanzania among the nations with dual-use port potential.

Source: Africa Center for Strategic Studies

Canada will announce the imposition of tariffs worth $29.8 billion in retaliation for US tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Source: Reuters

US Secretary of State Rubio:

Washington discussed territorial concessions with Ukraine.

Polish PM Tusk: Türkiye’s role in Ukraine may be key

Polish PM Donald Tusk will visit Türkiye today to discuss Ukraine, regional stability, and potential Polish-Turkish efforts for lasting peace.

Tusk:

From our point of view, it is very important that NATO and European countries simultaneously effectively guarantee stability after achieving a ceasefire and peace on the Russian-Ukrainian border.

And Türkiye’s role here may be key.

The EU did not invite Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the March 17 donor summit in Brussels, as it is held at a “ministerial level,” an EU Commission spokesperson said.

Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, is set to attend, marking the country’s first formal representation at the annual event.

Source: Reuters

Majority of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling on key issues:

❌ Tariffs: 61% disapprove
❌ Foreign affairs: 58% disapprove
❌ Health care policy: 56% disapprove
❌ Economy: 56% disapprove
❌ His job as president: 54% disapprove

Even on immigration, his highest-rated issue, approval is barely above water (51% approve vs. 48% disapprove).

Source: CNN/SSRS

BREAKING: Ukrainian Army completely withdrew from Sudzha in Kursk region, DeepState reports.

Zelensky:

Our troops in the Kursk region continue to carry out their missions, while Russia applies pressure.

Our command is doing everything necessary—maximizing efforts to preserve the lives of our soldiers.

Zelensky:

We are ready for a 30-day ceasefire in the format proposed by the U.S.

It is important for me to end this war, and I want the U.S. President to see that.

If Russia shows readiness to accept the U.S. proposal, I believe appropriate decisions will follow. If they are not ready, we strongly hope the U.S. will stand by its commitments.

Zelensky says elections in Ukraine will only be held after martial law is lifted, in accordance with the law.

Zelensky:

Ukraine and no one else will recognize the occupied territories as Russian. This is the main red line.

Zelensky:

I will always make any decision that protects the lives of our soldiers in Kursk.

Zelensky:

Saudi Arabia meeting thwarted Russia's plans to sabotage relations between Ukraine and the United States.