AnewZ Morning Brief - March 5th, 2025

By anewZ
March 5, 2025 09:51 Updated 65d ago
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 5th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

U.S. President Trump delivers a speech to a joint session of Congress

Marc Fogel, an American history teacher recently detained in Russia, along with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, were seen reacting during U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol

Lukashenko believes conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East will end this year

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed confidence that the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East will be resolved this year in an interview with US blogger Mario Nawfal, according to BelTA.

Lukashenko downplayed the impact of the Ukraine conflict, stating that Ukraine is too small to threaten global stability and that resolving the situation there would make addressing the Middle East easier, especially if the U.S. is willing.

He also warned that a re-election of U.S. President Joe Biden could bring the world dangerously close to a nuclear conflict, potentially leading to World War III. However, Lukashenko believes former President Donald Trump’s potential return to office might offer a path to peace, citing Trump’s strong-willed approach to international relations.

US, Ukraine may sign minerals deal within hours

The United States and Ukraine are expected to finalize a minerals deal within hours, according to Reuters, citing sources.

The deal could be announced by U.S. President Donald Trump during his upcoming address to Congress, scheduled for 9:00 p.m. local time (2:00 a.m. GMT on March 5).

On March 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed regret over an incident that occurred during his February 28 meeting with Trump, although he refrained from offering an apology. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s desire for constructive cooperation and communication, stating that Kyiv is ready to sign the minerals and security agreement at any time and in any suitable format.

Vardanyan's secret WhatsApp and Telegram conversations were shown in court hearings

The criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen facing charges of torture, mercenary activity, terrorism, and other serious crimes, continued on March 4 in Baku's Military Court. Vardanyan's defense lawyer requested additional time for his client to review case materials, but the prosecutor argued that sufficient time had already been provided.

During the hearing, the prosecution questioned Vardanyan about his involvement in illegal activities, including funding and organizing military operations, acquiring military equipment, and coordinating with various individuals and organizations tied to terrorism. Vardanyan was also asked about his relations with key figures, such as the founder of the terrorist group "VoMa," and his role in illicit military training and operations in Karabakh.

Despite the detailed evidence presented, including voice messages and documents, Vardanyan refused to answer the questions. The next hearing is set for March 11.

Lukashenko invites Trump, Putin, Zelenskyy to Minsk for talks

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has offered to host a high-stakes peace summit in Minsk, inviting former U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to meet and negotiate. In an interview with U.S. blogger Mario Nawfal, Lukashenko emphasized the importance of dialogue with Zelenskyy, stating that, despite differing opinions, reaching an agreement with him is crucial given his support from much of Ukraine's population.

Lukashenko even extended a warm invitation: “It’s just 200 kilometers from the Belarusian border to Kyiv. Come over! We’ll sit down here in a calm, hassle-free environment and reach an agreement.” He believes that Trump’s independent decision-making style, unlike President Biden's, makes him a more promising partner for direct negotiations.

The Belarusian president also shared his view that Biden’s leadership was often influenced by an extensive network of advisors, unlike Trump, who he claims made his own decisions, even if controversial. Lukashenko suggested that Biden, with his physical limitations and heavy reliance on advisers, couldn’t resist external pressures as effectively as Trump.

Arab leaders approve $53bn alternative to Trump's Gaza plan

Arab leaders have approved a massive $53bn (£41.4bn) reconstruction plan at an emergency summit in Cairo, aimed at countering President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to "take over Gaza" and relocate over two million Palestinians.

At the conclusion of the summit, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit declared, "The Egypt plan is now an Arab plan," stressing that the Arab world firmly rejects any form of displacement, whether voluntary or forced. Egypt unveiled a comprehensive 91-page reconstruction blueprint featuring vibrant neighborhoods and impressive public buildings, positioning it as a bold response to the U.S.'s plan, which had been widely criticized as a "Middle East Riviera" proposal.

A series of fires broke out in Nuevo Leon amid a wave of strong winds.

Aerial footage captures one of multiple fires ignited by strong winds on the outskirts of Monterrey, specifically in the Santa Catarina region of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, on March 4, 2025. The fires, fueled by the gusty conditions, have become a significant concern for local authorities as they battle the spread of flames in the area. This image, taken by Reuters' Daniel Becerril, highlights the severity of the situation amidst the high-wind wave affecting the region.

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