News

Russia awaits US details on Ukraine ceasefire proposal

Russia awaits US details on a proposed Ukraine ceasefire, emphasizing the need for guarantees amidst ongoing conflict.

Published

11 months ago

March 12, 2025

Ahron Young

Russia awaits US details on a proposed Ukraine ceasefire, emphasizing the need for guarantees amidst ongoing conflict.

In Short

Moscow is awaiting U.S. details on a proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasising that any agreement must consider Russia’s military gains and concerns. President Putin insists on long-term peace agreements, including Ukraine renouncing NATO ambitions and troop withdrawals, as the conflict continues to cause significant hardships.

Moscow is currently awaiting details from the United States regarding a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. Senior officials in Russia have stated that any agreement must consider Russia’s military advancements and address its concerns.

Following significant Russian advances in 2024, U.S. President Donald Trump altered U.S. policy by initiating talks with Moscow and suspending military assistance to Ukraine, advocating for conditions to end the war. Recently, the U.S. agreed to resume military support after Ukraine expressed willingness to back the ceasefire during discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Need for information

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasised the need for information from U.S. officials regarding the discussions. Certain Russian sources expressed reluctance to agree to a ceasefire without specific guarantees. They indicated that without these assurances, Russia could face a weakened position and blame from the West if hostilities resume.

Moreover, some Russian officials view the ceasefire as a potential trap. They insist that any agreements must reflect Russia’s conditions rather than those dictated by the U.S.

President Vladimir Putin has maintained that a mere truce is insufficient and calls for long-term peace with guarantees for Russia.

News

Liberal and Nationals reunite after political split

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Published

12 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australia’s major parties restore Coalition unity after three weeks, with Nationals frontbenchers rejoining shadow cabinet and ministers pledging commitment.

Australia’s Liberal and National parties have agreed to restore their historic Coalition partnership after a three-week split, marking their second reconciliation in under a year. The deal ensures stability ahead of upcoming political challenges.

Under the agreement, Nationals frontbenchers will return to the shadow cabinet by March 1. This move signals a return to unified leadership as both parties aim to present a stronger front in parliament.

As part of the compromise, three senators who broke party solidarity during a recent vote face a six-week suspension. All shadow ministers will also sign an agreement to uphold cabinet unity and prevent future splits.

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News

Starmer aide resigns after Mandelson appointment questioned over Epstein links

Morgan McSweeney resigned amid scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s US ambassadorship; Keir Starmer claims he was misled about Epstein ties.

Published

12 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Morgan McSweeney resigned amid scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s US ambassadorship; Keir Starmer claims he was misled about Epstein ties.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, has resigned amid scrutiny over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as U.K. ambassador to the U.S. McSweeney accepted responsibility for the controversial decision, calling stepping aside the honourable choice.

Lawmakers raised questions about Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Epstein files indicate Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction, intensifying the controversy surrounding his diplomatic appointment.

Starmer confirmed that Mandelson misled him about the extent of their friendship and pledged to release documents confirming the details. The resignation signals a significant shake-up in Starmer’s team and ongoing political fallout.

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News

Japan election delivers commanding win for ruling LDP

Japan’s ruling party expected to strengthen majority in Lower House election despite heavy snowfall, says local forecasts.

Published

12 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Japan’s ruling party expected to strengthen majority in Lower House election despite heavy snowfall, says local forecasts.

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is projected to tighten its grip on power following a decisive Lower House election, according to local media forecasts. Early projections suggest the LDP will secure between 274 and 328 seats in the 465-seat chamber, significantly strengthening its parliamentary position.

Together with coalition partner the Japan Innovation Party, the governing bloc is expected to cross the 300-seat mark, with some estimates putting the total as high as 366 seats. Voter turnout remained resilient despite heavy snow across parts of the country, as citizens braved severe weather to cast their ballots.

The election was called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in January, a move widely viewed as a strategic gamble to capitalise on her strong public approval ratings. The result appears to reinforce her mandate and consolidate political stability in Japan’s national leadership.

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