måndag 17 mars 2025
“Code red”: Driven towards deadly conditions
Climate & environment
Highest levels of carbon dioxide measured
"Code red" declared: Driving the climate towards deadly conditions
Published 11.52
These are the highest levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere ever measured.
Twice last week, values above 430 ppm were recorded.
This has prompted scientists to declare "code red".
Researchers at ICCI, the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative, have registered the record figures at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, where NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is responsible for the measurements, writes the Norwegian Dagbladet.
In a press release, ICCI describes the situation as code red, "that today's emissions from fossil fuels are pushing the climate towards increasingly extreme and deadly conditions."
Increasing rapidly
According to ICCI, this is the first time in, probably, at least three million years that the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has exceeded 430 ppm, parts per million.
"This upward trend is a direct result of the continued use of fossil fuels, likely exacerbated by emissions from extreme forest fires last year, methane leaks from fossil fuel extraction and possibly greater emissions from permafrost," James Kirkham, chief scientist at the Ambition on Melting Ice coalition, told the newspaper.
Kikki Fleche, CEO of the Bjerkness Center for Climate Research at the University of Bergen, says the high readings are related to the seasons.
"In summer, the amount of CO2 decreases, because plants and trees absorb it from the air. In winter, the plants die and carbon dioxide readings go up. But with the rapid rate at which levels in the atmosphere are increasing, we expect the global average to be 430 ppm by 2027. These measurements are an indication of how quickly levels in the atmosphere are rising, she tells Dagbladet.
Missing the 1.5-degree target
Bjørn Samset, climate scientist at the Norwegian Cicero (Center for international climate and environmental research), says that it is no longer possible to reach the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree target. This means more extreme weather, more intense heat waves, longer periods of drought, fires and problems with food production.
- It sounds like a small number, but 1.5 degrees is much warmer than you think. For the Earth, this is extremely high. The discussion is now about how we can adapt to the climate that is coming. We must prepare for a warmer, wetter and tougher climate, Samset tells Dagbladet.
Latest news
NATO's future
Concern for Europe alone: "Has no nuclear weapons culture"
It is a new day in Europe and the continent may need to be protected by French and British nuclear weapons instead of American ones, writes CNN.
- One thing that Europeans do not have is a nuclear weapons culture. They do not understand it because they have always assumed that the Americans would do it, says Michel Yakovleff, former deputy commander of NATO in Europe.
The US's enormous and diverse arsenal provides an opportunity to minimize the bombing in a nuclear war - the US can give what is called a "graded response" and only make an attack instead of launching its entire arsenal, French nuclear historian Yannick Pincé tells CNN.
France's arsenal has instead historically been seen as a last resort if the homeland is under attack, says Pincé.
The British military, for its part, has been very active in raising what is called the “nuclear deterrence IQ” of its NATO allies so that they understand the “grammar” of nuclear weapons, says Lukasz Kulesa of the Rusi think tank.
But the US has not yet said that it will stop protecting its NATO allies, emphasizes Heather Williams of the CSIS think tank. When Sweden celebrated its first anniversary in NATO this week, a nuclear-capable American bomber flew over Stockholm – and it was a highly symbolic choice, writes CNN.
Concern for Europe alone: "Has no nuclear weapons culture"
It is a new day in Europe and the continent may need to be protected by French and British nuclear weapons instead of American ones, writes CNN.
- One thing that Europeans do not have is a nuclear weapons culture. They do not understand it because they have always assumed that the Americans would do it, says Michel Yakovleff, former deputy commander of NATO in Europe.
The US's enormous and diverse arsenal provides an opportunity to minimize the bombing in a nuclear war - the US can give what is called a "graded response" and only make an attack instead of launching its entire arsenal, French nuclear historian Yannick Pincé tells CNN.
France's arsenal has instead historically been seen as a last resort if the homeland is under attack, says Pincé.
The British military, for its part, has been very active in raising what is called the “nuclear deterrence IQ” of its NATO allies so that they understand the “grammar” of nuclear weapons, says Lukasz Kulesa of the Rusi think tank.
But the US has not yet said that it will stop protecting its NATO allies, emphasizes Heather Williams of the CSIS think tank. When Sweden celebrated its first anniversary in NATO this week, a nuclear-capable American bomber flew over Stockholm – and it was a highly symbolic choice, writes CNN.
Support for Trump in the US is touching his record
Support for Donald Trump as president of the US is high and touching his previous record in the US, according to an opinion poll from NBC News.
The poll shows that 47 percent think he is doing a good job and 51 percent are disappointed. At the same time, more Americans eligible to vote than ever since 2004 think the US is heading in the right direction.
But when it comes to the economy, fewer are positive. 44 percent think he has handled the labor economy well and 42 percent think he has handled the cost of living and inflation well.
Trump has never before had a majority in NBC opinion polls who think he is handling the economy poorly.
Support for Donald Trump as president of the US is high and touching his previous record in the US, according to an opinion poll from NBC News.
The poll shows that 47 percent think he is doing a good job and 51 percent are disappointed. At the same time, more Americans eligible to vote than ever since 2004 think the US is heading in the right direction.
But when it comes to the economy, fewer are positive. 44 percent think he has handled the labor economy well and 42 percent think he has handled the cost of living and inflation well.
Trump has never before had a majority in NBC opinion polls who think he is handling the economy poorly.
"Black Lives Matter Plaza" has been torn down
"Black Lives Matter Plaza" in Washington has been torn down, reports the New York Times.
16th Street in Washington, which leads to the White House, was renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza after the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser decided that the words would be written in yellow text across the entire street. But now, after receiving pressure from Republicans in Congress and threats of withdrawal of federal funding, Bowser has given in and the text has been torn down.
Selwyn Jones, George Floyd’s uncle, says the plaza was “spiritual.”
“But the fact that they’re taking the time to destroy it, it’s a message. Like we don’t care,” he tells the NYT.
"Black Lives Matter Plaza" in Washington has been torn down, reports the New York Times.
16th Street in Washington, which leads to the White House, was renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza after the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser decided that the words would be written in yellow text across the entire street. But now, after receiving pressure from Republicans in Congress and threats of withdrawal of federal funding, Bowser has given in and the text has been torn down.
Selwyn Jones, George Floyd’s uncle, says the plaza was “spiritual.”
“But the fact that they’re taking the time to destroy it, it’s a message. Like we don’t care,” he tells the NYT.
Scientists stuck in Antarctica – appeal for rescue
A South African research team in Antarctica, 400 miles from their homes, has requested to be rescued after a researcher became unstable, reports The Times.
The scientists were sent to the Sanae IV station on the frozen continent to study its climate and will be there for another ten months. The extreme weather makes it almost impossible to get there or from there.
But this week the team wrote a letter pleading for rescue. They live in fear of a researcher who they say has attacked the others and is a threat to their safety.
“In addition, he threatened to kill (an unnamed person) and is creating an environment of fear and terror. I remain deeply concerned for my own safety and constantly wonder if I could be the next victim,” the letter says.
The researcher is also accused of sexually assaulting another member of the team.
South Africa’s Environment Minister, Dion George, tells The Times that he will speak to the team and make his own assessment.
A South African research team in Antarctica, 400 miles from their homes, has requested to be rescued after a researcher became unstable, reports The Times.
The scientists were sent to the Sanae IV station on the frozen continent to study its climate and will be there for another ten months. The extreme weather makes it almost impossible to get there or from there.
But this week the team wrote a letter pleading for rescue. They live in fear of a researcher who they say has attacked the others and is a threat to their safety.
“In addition, he threatened to kill (an unnamed person) and is creating an environment of fear and terror. I remain deeply concerned for my own safety and constantly wonder if I could be the next victim,” the letter says.
The researcher is also accused of sexually assaulting another member of the team.
South Africa’s Environment Minister, Dion George, tells The Times that he will speak to the team and make his own assessment.
Economy
China's growth
China presents new plan to boost consumption
On Sunday, the Chinese government announced a new plan to boost the country's consumption. At the same time, macro data showed that the economy strengthened slightly in the first two months of the year.
According to the state news agency Xinhua, the government will act forcefully to boost consumption and expand domestic demand in all directions. The plan focuses on raising incomes, stabilizing the real estate and stock markets, and improving healthcare and pensions.
For the first two months of the year, retail sales increased by 4 percent, which is slightly higher than the rate in December. However, industrial production increased less than the previous month.
The news causes Asian stock markets to rise on Monday morning, with Hong Kong leading the gains.
China presents new plan to boost consumption
On Sunday, the Chinese government announced a new plan to boost the country's consumption. At the same time, macro data showed that the economy strengthened slightly in the first two months of the year.
According to the state news agency Xinhua, the government will act forcefully to boost consumption and expand domestic demand in all directions. The plan focuses on raising incomes, stabilizing the real estate and stock markets, and improving healthcare and pensions.
For the first two months of the year, retail sales increased by 4 percent, which is slightly higher than the rate in December. However, industrial production increased less than the previous month.
The news causes Asian stock markets to rise on Monday morning, with Hong Kong leading the gains.
Volvo loses to Bring – fined for cartel formation
Truck manufacturers Volvo/Renault, Daf, Man and Daimler will pay a fine equivalent to just under 113 million Swedish kronor for cartel formation to the Norwegian post office Bring, writes E24.
This is clear after the Borgartinget Court of Appeal's ruling came today.
The dispute concerns 1,877 trucks from the 1990s and 2000s, for which Bring claims they paid an excessive price. According to the EU Commission, Volvo was one of the players who changed prices with competitors between 1997 and 2011.
Truck manufacturers Volvo/Renault, Daf, Man and Daimler will pay a fine equivalent to just under 113 million Swedish kronor for cartel formation to the Norwegian post office Bring, writes E24.
This is clear after the Borgartinget Court of Appeal's ruling came today.
The dispute concerns 1,877 trucks from the 1990s and 2000s, for which Bring claims they paid an excessive price. According to the EU Commission, Volvo was one of the players who changed prices with competitors between 1997 and 2011.
Ferrari buyers are getting younger – 40 percent are under 40
Ferrari buyers are getting younger. According to the sports car manufacturer, 40 percent of new buyers are now under 40. This is reported by CNBC.
A year and a half ago, young people made up only 30 percent of new customers.
- I don't know what it looks like for other brands, but for us it's a big achievement, says CEO Benedetto Vigna to CNBC.
Food prices
Farmers more positive than in a long time – despite the tariff threat
Optimism is sprouting among Swedish farmers, shows LRF's green business index, which shows the mood for forestry and agriculture. DI reports.
Anything over 100 is seen as a positive mood, and in the first quarter of this year the index was 109. That's as high as the previous two quarters, and the highest level since the index was launched by LRF in 2020. Favorable weather and higher meat prices are behind it, says Anna-Karin Hatt, CEO of LRF, to the newspaper.
- We'll see if the geopolitical situation will lower the mood in the sector.
Ferrari buyers are getting younger. According to the sports car manufacturer, 40 percent of new buyers are now under 40. This is reported by CNBC.
A year and a half ago, young people made up only 30 percent of new customers.
- I don't know what it looks like for other brands, but for us it's a big achievement, says CEO Benedetto Vigna to CNBC.
Food prices
Farmers more positive than in a long time – despite the tariff threat
Optimism is sprouting among Swedish farmers, shows LRF's green business index, which shows the mood for forestry and agriculture. DI reports.
Anything over 100 is seen as a positive mood, and in the first quarter of this year the index was 109. That's as high as the previous two quarters, and the highest level since the index was launched by LRF in 2020. Favorable weather and higher meat prices are behind it, says Anna-Karin Hatt, CEO of LRF, to the newspaper.
- We'll see if the geopolitical situation will lower the mood in the sector.
Russian invasion
Negotiations
Kremlin confirms: Trump and Putin to speak tomorrow
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will have a telephone conversation on Tuesday. The information is now also confirmed by the Kremlin, reports Reuters.
– That's how it is. Such a conversation is planned for Tuesday, says Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Trump has previously announced that he and Putin have agreed to talk on Tuesday.
– A lot of work has been done over the weekend. We want to see if we can bring this war to an end. I think we have a good chance, he said then..
According to Trump, they will talk about territory and power plants, which he calls a "big issue".
US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow on Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj agreed last week to a 30-day ceasefire. Putin opposed it, but Donald Trump hopes to convince him to make an agreement.
Kremlin confirms: Trump and Putin to speak tomorrow
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will have a telephone conversation on Tuesday. The information is now also confirmed by the Kremlin, reports Reuters.
– That's how it is. Such a conversation is planned for Tuesday, says Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Trump has previously announced that he and Putin have agreed to talk on Tuesday.
– A lot of work has been done over the weekend. We want to see if we can bring this war to an end. I think we have a good chance, he said then..
According to Trump, they will talk about territory and power plants, which he calls a "big issue".
US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Putin in Moscow on Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj agreed last week to a 30-day ceasefire. Putin opposed it, but Donald Trump hopes to convince him to make an agreement.
The fighting
South Korea: Ready to receive North Korean prisoners of war
South Korea is ready to receive North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine in the war against Russia, Reuters reports.
Thousands of soldiers have been sent from North Korea to Russia to fight. It is the country's largest military involvement since the 1950s. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has now been in contact with Kyiv to cooperate on how to handle the North Korean prisoners of war.
South Korea now says it is ready to receive all prisoners if they want to come to South Korea. At the same time, the South Korean military council, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, estimates that North Korea is preparing to send more soldiers to the war front.
Zelensky fires army chief – after just seven months
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fired his army chief, Anatoly Bargylevych, Sky News reports. Bargylevych took office just seven months ago. He is now being replaced by Andrii Hnatov.
Zelensky has repeatedly moved around high-ranking army commanders. According to a statement, Bargylevych will be given other tasks within the military.
“We are systematically changing our armed forces to strengthen their combat effectiveness,” Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in a statement.
Since 2020, the Ukrainian military has separated the Supreme Commander and the Army Chief. The latter is subordinate.
South Korea: Ready to receive North Korean prisoners of war
South Korea is ready to receive North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine in the war against Russia, Reuters reports.
Thousands of soldiers have been sent from North Korea to Russia to fight. It is the country's largest military involvement since the 1950s. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has now been in contact with Kyiv to cooperate on how to handle the North Korean prisoners of war.
South Korea now says it is ready to receive all prisoners if they want to come to South Korea. At the same time, the South Korean military council, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, estimates that North Korea is preparing to send more soldiers to the war front.
Zelensky fires army chief – after just seven months
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fired his army chief, Anatoly Bargylevych, Sky News reports. Bargylevych took office just seven months ago. He is now being replaced by Andrii Hnatov.
Zelensky has repeatedly moved around high-ranking army commanders. According to a statement, Bargylevych will be given other tasks within the military.
“We are systematically changing our armed forces to strengthen their combat effectiveness,” Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in a statement.
Since 2020, the Ukrainian military has separated the Supreme Commander and the Army Chief. The latter is subordinate.
Political situation in Canada
Mark Carney visits Europe – before the US
Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney is making his first foreign trips to Britain and France to strengthen alliances in connection with Trump's verbal attacks on Canada escalating, reports The Guardian.
A spokesman for Mark Carney told the press that the prime minister is keen to safeguard the relationship with the two countries that created Canada while being a "close friend of the US".
- But we all know what is going on there, the person said.
Carney will meet Britain's Keir Starmer and France's Emmanuel Macron in the hope of expanding trade with the countries and coordinating a response to Donald Trump's tariffs.
Analysis: Carney's European trip is a landmark
The fact that Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney is choosing to travel to Britain and France instead of the US on his first official visit is a landmark. The BBC's Lyse Doucet writes in a commentary.
He is seeking strong support from his allies as Canada is threatened not only with a series of tariffs but also with becoming the 51st state of the United States. Carney's trip to Europe also shows his priorities: the economy and a strong defense, writes Doucet.
"Carney will certainly discuss Trump tactics with Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer privately," writes Doucet.
CNN's Stephen Collinson writes in an analysis that Macron and Starmer have developed a "how to deal with Trump" playbook. But for Carney to enter a tariff war would only have led to both the United States and Canada becoming losers.
The answers do not lie with France and Britain, Collinson believes. But perhaps they lie with former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, who gave a speech at Carney's inauguration, Collinson writes.
"We have worked with and cooperated with the United States in the past, and I tell you, we will in the future," he said at the time.
Mark Carney besöker Europa – innan USA
Kanadas nya premiärminister Mark Carney gör sina första utrikesresor till Storbritannien och Frankrike för att stärka allianser i samband med att Trumps verbala attacker mot Kanada eskalerar, rapporterar The Guardian.
En talesperson för Mark Carney sa till pressen att premiärministern är mån om att värna relationen till de två länderna som skapade Kanada samtidigt som han är en ”nära vän till USA”.
– Men vi vet alla vad som försiggår där, sa personen.
Carney kommer träffa Storbritanniens Keir Starmer och Frankrikes Emmanuel Macron i hopp om att bygga ut handeln med länderna och koordinera ett svar på Donald Trumps tullar.
Analys: Carneys Europaresa är en markering
Att Kanadas nya premiärminister Mark Carney väljer att resa till Storbritannien och Frankrike i stället för USA i sitt första officiella besök är en markering. Det skriver BBC:s Lyse Doucet i en kommentar.
Han söker ett starkt stöd från sina allierade när Kanada inte bara hotas med en rad tullar utan även med att bli USA:s 51a delstat. Carneys resa till Europa visar också hans prioriteringar: Ekonomi och ett starkt försvar, skriver Doucet.
”Carney kommer med säkerhet att prata Trump-taktik med Emmanuel Macron och Keir Starmer privat”, skriver Doucet.
CNN:s Stephen Collinson skriver i en analys att Macron och Starmer har utvecklat en ”hur man hanterar Trump”-bok. Men att Carney skulle gå in i ett tullkrig hade bara lett till att både USA och Kanada blir förlorare
Svaren finns inte hos Frankrike och Storbritannien, menar Collinson. Men kanske finns de hos den före detta Kanadensiska premiärministern Jean Chrétien som höll tal under Carneys installation, skriver Collinson.
”Vi har arbetat med och samarbetat med USA tidigare, och jag säger er, vi kommer att göra det i framtiden”, sa han då.
Violence in Congo-Kinshasa
EU imposes sanctions – Rwanda breaks with Belgium
EU imposes sanctions due to the Rwandan-backed M23 guerrilla advance in eastern Congo-Kinshasa, news agencies report.
Rwanda responds by breaking all diplomatic relations with Belgium. They also classify all Belgian diplomats as undesirable in the country. The country's foreign ministry writes on X, according to media.
The decision "reflects Rwanda's commitment to protecting our national interests and the dignity of Rwandans," the post says.
Belgium responded and stated that the country will implement similar measures.
“This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue,” Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced on X.
Congo delegation in Angola – peace talks to take place tomorrow
The Congo-Kinshasa government will participate in peace talks with the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23, which has taken over areas in eastern Congo, a spokesman said on Monday, according to news agencies.
The peace talks are to take place in Angola on Tuesday. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi had previously refused direct negotiations with the rebels.
The conflict in eastern Congo-Kinshasa escalated in January when the Rwanda-backed rebels advanced and captured the strategic city of Goma, and then the city of Bukavu in February.
EU imposes sanctions due to the Rwandan-backed M23 guerrilla advance in eastern Congo-Kinshasa, news agencies report.
Rwanda responds by breaking all diplomatic relations with Belgium. They also classify all Belgian diplomats as undesirable in the country. The country's foreign ministry writes on X, according to media.
The decision "reflects Rwanda's commitment to protecting our national interests and the dignity of Rwandans," the post says.
Belgium responded and stated that the country will implement similar measures.
“This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue,” Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced on X.
Congo delegation in Angola – peace talks to take place tomorrow
The Congo-Kinshasa government will participate in peace talks with the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23, which has taken over areas in eastern Congo, a spokesman said on Monday, according to news agencies.
The peace talks are to take place in Angola on Tuesday. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi had previously refused direct negotiations with the rebels.
The conflict in eastern Congo-Kinshasa escalated in January when the Rwanda-backed rebels advanced and captured the strategic city of Goma, and then the city of Bukavu in February.
Border Policy in the US
Venezuela warns of US: “Vulgar kidnapping”
There is no evidence that the Venezuelans deported by the Trump administration to El Salvador have committed any crimes in either country, says Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, according to Reuters.
“We will do everything we can to allow our compatriots to return home,” he says in a televised press conference.
Rodriguez says the deportees are being held hostage and he calls the deportation a “vulgar kidnapping” and a “crime against humanity,” writes AFP.
He is now urging all Venezuelans in the US to return home as the country is not safe.
French Politician Demands Return of the Statue of Liberty
French MEP Raphaël Glucksmann wants one of the world's most iconic statues – the Statue of Liberty – to be returned to France. This is reported by several media outlets.
At a party meeting, the left-wing politician, with a "glimmer in his eye" according to Politico, is said to have demanded that the structure be sent back because the US has now "chosen the side of the tyrants".
A plaque on the statue reads "Give me your tired, your weak" – a message that Glucksmann believes is not compatible with the American mass deportations.
The 46-meter-high statue was designed by Auguste Bartholdi and was a gift from France to celebrate 100 years of American independence. In 1886, it was placed at the mouth of the Hudson River.
– You received it as a gift, but you obviously despise it. It will be excellent here at home instead, said Glucksmann.
The politician also believes that France is strongly criticizing the Trump administration's cuts and says that American scientists who choose to leave the country are welcome in France.
Her son was deported: "Now he is in an abyss"
Mirelis Casique's 24-year-old son is one of those forced to leave the United States in connection with the Trump administration's mass deportation of Venezuelans, she tells the New York Times.
238 people who are alleged to be members of the Venezuelan cartel Tren de Aragua have been deported and taken to a high-security prison in El Salvador.
Mirelis Casique believes that there is no evidence that her son is a member of the gang. The last time she spoke to him, he was being held in a detention center in Texas and had no idea where he would be sent.
“Now he is in an abyss with no one to save him,” she told the NYT.
The deportation comes despite a US federal judge blocking the White House order. Mirelis Casique is one of many Venezuelans who have been hit by panic after Donald Trump’s announcement.
Middle East crisis Ship attacks
Trump: Iran Will Face Consequences
US President Donald Trump writes on Truth Social that the Houthi militia is completely controlled by Iran and that the country will be held accountable if the ship attacks continue.
“All shots fired by the Houthis will now be considered to have been fired by weapons and from the leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held accountable, and face the consequences, and the consequences will be catastrophic!”, Trump writes on Truth social.
Before the US attack began this weekend, the Houthi militia had not attacked any ships since January, when the ceasefire in Gaza began.
Major demonstrations in Yemen: “Death to America”
Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Yemen’s capital Sanaa on Monday after the US attack on the Houthi militia, which is said to have claimed 53 lives.
Many held up assault rifles, knives or Korans and the crowds chanted "death to the US, death to Israel", reports AFP.
Early on Monday, the Houthi militia claimed to have carried out a second attack on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea. The US has not commented on the matter, but an American defense source stated earlier on Sunday that several drones and a rocket were shot down from a safe distance, writes TT.
Houthi rebels: Several dead after new attacks
Houthi rebels in Yemen say there have been new American attacks against them, and the death toll has risen from 30 to 53, including five children, several media outlets report, citing the rebels' spokesman for their health ministry. Almost 100 people are said to be injured.
The attacks targeted targets in the Al Jaouf and Hudaydah areas early Monday morning, according to the Iran-backed rebel group.
US President Donald Trump writes on Truth Social that the Houthi militia is completely controlled by Iran and that the country will be held accountable if the ship attacks continue.
“All shots fired by the Houthis will now be considered to have been fired by weapons and from the leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held accountable, and face the consequences, and the consequences will be catastrophic!”, Trump writes on Truth social.
Before the US attack began this weekend, the Houthi militia had not attacked any ships since January, when the ceasefire in Gaza began.
Major demonstrations in Yemen: “Death to America”
Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Yemen’s capital Sanaa on Monday after the US attack on the Houthi militia, which is said to have claimed 53 lives.
Many held up assault rifles, knives or Korans and the crowds chanted "death to the US, death to Israel", reports AFP.
Early on Monday, the Houthi militia claimed to have carried out a second attack on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea. The US has not commented on the matter, but an American defense source stated earlier on Sunday that several drones and a rocket were shot down from a safe distance, writes TT.
Houthi rebels: Several dead after new attacks
Houthi rebels in Yemen say there have been new American attacks against them, and the death toll has risen from 30 to 53, including five children, several media outlets report, citing the rebels' spokesman for their health ministry. Almost 100 people are said to be injured.
The attacks targeted targets in the Al Jaouf and Hudaydah areas early Monday morning, according to the Iran-backed rebel group.
The Shift of Power in the US The War on the Media
US Media Channels Go Silent After 83 Years on the Air
Voice of America has been broadcasting since 1942, but now its broadcasts have gone silent, writes the New York Times.
Donald Trump made the decision on Friday and just hours later hundreds of journalists were told they would no longer be going to work. Radio channels in Asia, the Middle East and elsewhere went silent or started playing only music, employees told the newspaper.
Other media sources such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia are facing the same fate as the agency that controls US media channels now appears to be shutting down completely.
– Operationally, they have pulled the plug, says lawyer David Seide, who represents some of the employees, to the New York Times.
According to a statement from the White House on Saturday, the agency is spreading “radical propaganda” and the employees are alleged to have a deep-rooted leftist bias, writes AFP.
China and Russia Celebrate Trump's Shutdown: "Die, You Disgusting Bastards"
Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov is overjoyed after Donald Trump's shutdown of US international media channels.
Russia has invested heavily in propaganda and fake news, and Solovyov says in his television broadcast that his colleagues at RT and Sputnik are "celebrating today".
- This is a cool decision by him, says Solovyov according to the Kyiv Post.
Solovyov also has a message for independent journalists.
- Die, you bastards, because you are lying, disgusting and disgusting traitors of the motherland.
The US has also sent news into the dictatorship of China through, among other things, Voice of America. Here too, there is jubilation on Monday, and the state-run and nationalist Global Times calls Voice of America a “lie factory” and a “propaganda tool,” writes NBC News.
Among the media channels that are being shut down are Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia. Voice of America has been broadcasting since 1942.
EU foreign policy chief: “Has been a beacon of democracy”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says that the EU Commission will investigate whether it is possible to help the American Radio Free Europe, which is now being shut down by Donald Trump.
“For us on the other side of the Iron Curtain, it was the radio station from which we received a lot of information about what was really going on. It has been a beacon of democracy,” says Kallas, who was previously the prime minister of Estonia, according to TT.
At the same time, Kallas warns that the EU cannot automatically step in and take over the financing of the radio station, which has its headquarters in Prague, Czech Republic.
söndag 16 mars 2025
Zelensky fires his army chief after retreat
Oskar Forsberg
Updated 21.26 | Published 17.53
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fired his army chief.
The country's defense minister said this, according to Sky News.
The announcement comes after Ukraine began withdrawing from Kursk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fired his army chief Anatoliy Bargylevych.
The army chief took office in February last year, but is now leaving.
He is being replaced by Andrey Hnatov.
The country's defense minister said this, according to Sky News.
- We are systematically transforming Ukraine's defense forces to improve combat effectiveness, the defense minister said in connection with the change.
Withdrawal from Sudzha
At the same time, fighting continues in Kursk. Fighting is raging in two different areas in particular.
Russia says it has advanced in the city and has had successes on the battlefield, while Ukraine claims it is a deliberate retreat.
Among other things, it is said that it has completely withdrawn from the town of Sudzha in the Kursk area.
This is reported by the Kyiv Independent newspaper.
The Ukrainian General Staff states that it has withdrawn to places that are easier to defend.
Hugo von Essen at the Center for East European Studies believes that Ukraine's retreat from Kursk will strengthen Russia's negotiating position.
He writes this in a text message to Aftonbladet.
Will speak with Putin this week
US President Donald Trump will speak on the phone with Russian President Putin this week.
This is what Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff tells CNN.
Witkoff himself had a meeting with Putin on Thursday. He is said to have described the conversation as “positive” afterwards.
At least 34 dead in “monster storm”
USA
36 dead in US “monster storm”
Wayne Seretis
Updated 16.03 | Published 13.53
Tornadoes, hurricane-force winds and sandstorms.
So far, 36 people have died in the “monster storm” that is sweeping across the United States.
“Please seek shelter,” writes the weather institute in Alabama.
Quick version
- An extreme weather system, called a “monster storm”, is sweeping across the United States from the Gulf of Mexico and affecting over 100 million people, with 34 reported deaths so far.
- Stormen orsakar dödliga tornado, orkaner, sandstormar, och skogsbränder, särskilt drabbande delstater som Missouri, Texas, Arkansas och Kansas.
- Power outages, destroyed buildings and dangerous road conditions are
reported, while the storm continues east and north, expected to bring
more tornadoes and severe weather.
At least 34 dead in the "monster storm" in the US
An extreme weather system moved into the US from the Gulf of Mexico on Friday.
More than 100 million Americans are affected by the "monster storm", as it was described by the AP.
The weather institutes warned on Friday of hail the size of baseballs, tornadoes, wildfires and hurricane-force winds.
The first states to be affected were the coastal states of Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. The storm then continued up over Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.
The worst affected is Missouri, where five tornadoes struck. So far, twelve deaths have been counted, including a man whose home was completely torn to pieces by a tornado.
- You couldn't tell it was a home. It was just an area of rubble, says medical examiner Jim Akers to CBS.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee has been in talks with President Trump about the storm.
1 / 2Photo: Greg Eans / AP
Talked to Trump
Dakota Henderson tells CBS that he found five bodies scattered in the rubble of his aunt's destroyed house in Wayne County.
In Texas, at least four people died, several of them in car accidents caused by sandstorms.
- It's the worst I've ever seen, says Cindy Barkley of the local disaster agency to CBS.
More than 100 million people are affected by the "monster storm" that is sweeping across the United States.
In Arkansas, three people have died and 29 have been injured by the storm, and the material damage is extensive.
The state's Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders writes on X that she spoke with President Trump on Saturday.
“I would tell the people of Arkansas that he loves them and that his administration is here to help with whatever we need after last night’s tornadoes.”
Eight dead in sandstorm
In Kansas, at least eight people have died so far, most of them in a series of crashes caused by a sandstorm involving 55 vehicles.
Oklahoma has reported one death so far, while emergency services are battling nearly 150 wildfires caused by the storm.
50,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes after the National Weather Service warned of an “extremely dangerous fire complex.”
On Saturday night, the state counted nearly 300 homes destroyed by fire and wind.
In Mississippi, at least six people died and three are missing after several tornadoes ravaged the state.
Blizzards in the North
On Sunday, the storm continued east towards Georgia and the Atlantic coast, where tornadoes and heavy rains that could cause flash floods and flooding are expected.
“This storm is hitting us at the worst possible time when people are on their way, or have already gone to bed,” says Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
Nashville, Tennessee, had the heaviest rain since 1875, with nine centimeters in one day, according to NBC.
In total, more than 250,000 homes were affected by power outages in the southern states.
The storm also continued north towards the Canadian border, where winds of up to 28 meters per second caused blizzards and snow drifts.
Climate Threat Global Challenges
China Invests Big in Green Electricity: “Massive Investment Wave”
The expansion of green energy is at record speed in China and the green energy sector now accounts for ten percent of the country’s economy, writes TT.
China is still the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, but the country’s goal is to become carbon neutral by 2060.
Lauri Myllyvirta, China expert at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, says that the political signals have led to green energy being seen as one of the few growth areas in China.
– This led to a massive investment wave in manufacturing and implementation that surprised everyone and far exceeded the government’s goals, he explains.
British Coal Consumption Lowest in 360 Years
Last year, coal consumption in the UK was at its lowest level since 1666, the climate analysis site Carbon Brief states in a new report.
The decision to close Britain's last coal-fired power station and the last blast furnace at the Port Talbot steelworks led to a 54 percent decrease in demand for coal.
Demand for oil and gas has also decreased as a result of investments in renewable energy and increased demand for electric cars, writes Carbon Brief.
To reach its climate goals, the UK must continue to reduce its emissions even further in the coming years.
The expansion of green energy is at record speed in China and the green energy sector now accounts for ten percent of the country’s economy, writes TT.
China is still the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, but the country’s goal is to become carbon neutral by 2060.
Lauri Myllyvirta, China expert at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, says that the political signals have led to green energy being seen as one of the few growth areas in China.
– This led to a massive investment wave in manufacturing and implementation that surprised everyone and far exceeded the government’s goals, he explains.
British Coal Consumption Lowest in 360 Years
Last year, coal consumption in the UK was at its lowest level since 1666, the climate analysis site Carbon Brief states in a new report.
The decision to close Britain's last coal-fired power station and the last blast furnace at the Port Talbot steelworks led to a 54 percent decrease in demand for coal.
Demand for oil and gas has also decreased as a result of investments in renewable energy and increased demand for electric cars, writes Carbon Brief.
To reach its climate goals, the UK must continue to reduce its emissions even further in the coming years.
Storms and tornadoes in the US – at least 30 dead
A severe storm has moved into the US and more than 30 people have lost their lives, several media outlets report.
Parts of Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri have been hit hardest. Buildings have been destroyed and hundreds of people have been left homeless. The tornadoes have been deadliest in Missouri, where 12 people have died in the storm. In Kansas, at least eight people died after more than 55 vehicles were involved in a crash.
The storm is moving east across the United States and in addition to deadly hurricane-force winds, it has caused hundreds of wildfires.
A severe storm has moved into the US and more than 30 people have lost their lives, several media outlets report.
Parts of Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri have been hit hardest. Buildings have been destroyed and hundreds of people have been left homeless. The tornadoes have been deadliest in Missouri, where 12 people have died in the storm. In Kansas, at least eight people died after more than 55 vehicles were involved in a crash.
The storm is moving east across the United States and in addition to deadly hurricane-force winds, it has caused hundreds of wildfires.
TOP NEWS
China-Russia Relations
“Made in Russia” Stores the Latest Trend in China
In recent years, thousands of Russian stores have appeared in China, decorated with rows of Russian and Chinese flags and filled with goods such as vodka, matryoshka dolls, honey and chocolate. This is reported by CNN.
On Chinese social media, many confused users are wondering why all these stores seem to have appeared from one day to the next.
China has become an economic lifeline for sanctions-hit Russia, and trade is breaking record after record. Cheap Russian gas, oil and coal are the main imports, but it is Russian food products and sweets with the “Made in Russia” label that have won the hearts of Chinese consumers.
More than 2,500 such businesses have been registered in China since 2022.
“The best seller is Russian honey, it is a big success. And the chocolate is very nice. Everything is delicious,” says a shop assistant in Beijing.
EU-China relations
Xi snubs important EU meeting: “Relationship is on ice”
Chinese President Xi Jinping has turned down a meeting in Brussels to celebrate 50 years of relations between China and the EU. This has led European diplomats to question how honest the country is with its approach to the EU, writes the Financial Times.
EU-China meetings are held alternately in Brussels and Beijing. Prime Minister Li Qiang usually attends the Brussels meetings, while Xi hosts them in Beijing. However, Xi’s failure to travel to the 50th anniversary meeting in Brussels is seen as a diplomatic dismissal at a time when China-EU relations are particularly sensitive, according to FT sources.
– The relationship is on ice. The tone is changing, but not the content. They will not change their stance, and neither will we, says a senior EU diplomat.
“Made in Russia” Stores the Latest Trend in China
In recent years, thousands of Russian stores have appeared in China, decorated with rows of Russian and Chinese flags and filled with goods such as vodka, matryoshka dolls, honey and chocolate. This is reported by CNN.
On Chinese social media, many confused users are wondering why all these stores seem to have appeared from one day to the next.
China has become an economic lifeline for sanctions-hit Russia, and trade is breaking record after record. Cheap Russian gas, oil and coal are the main imports, but it is Russian food products and sweets with the “Made in Russia” label that have won the hearts of Chinese consumers.
More than 2,500 such businesses have been registered in China since 2022.
“The best seller is Russian honey, it is a big success. And the chocolate is very nice. Everything is delicious,” says a shop assistant in Beijing.
EU-China relations
Xi snubs important EU meeting: “Relationship is on ice”
Chinese President Xi Jinping has turned down a meeting in Brussels to celebrate 50 years of relations between China and the EU. This has led European diplomats to question how honest the country is with its approach to the EU, writes the Financial Times.
EU-China meetings are held alternately in Brussels and Beijing. Prime Minister Li Qiang usually attends the Brussels meetings, while Xi hosts them in Beijing. However, Xi’s failure to travel to the 50th anniversary meeting in Brussels is seen as a diplomatic dismissal at a time when China-EU relations are particularly sensitive, according to FT sources.
– The relationship is on ice. The tone is changing, but not the content. They will not change their stance, and neither will we, says a senior EU diplomat.
Greenland's future
Trump Supporters in Greenland: "Have Great Respect for Denmark but..."
American Trump supporters were in Nuuk on Saturday to monitor the protests in the Greenlandic capital.
One of them was Chris Cox, founder of the group Bikers for Trump. He tells Danish TV2 that he wanted to see with his own eyes how Greenlanders react to what is happening. Cox also wants to convey to the residents that Americans are not "tigers who see Greenland as a gazelle".
- We have great respect for Denmark. Their soldiers have fought with us in Afghanistan and Iraq. But that does not make up for their inability to patrol the Greenlandic coast, he says.
Protests against Trump in Nuuk: "Never gathered so many"
Residents gathered in Greenland's capital Nuuk on Saturday to demonstrate against Donald Trump's threat of annexation, Danish media reports.
All of them carried Greenlandic flags and many chanted "Kalaallit Nunaat", the Greenlandic word for homeland, writes Berlingske.
One of the placards described Trump as "A liar, stupid and brain dead"
- I don't think I've ever seen so many people gathered in Greenland. It's really crazy, says Jens Frederik Nielsen, party leader of the liberal Demokraatit (Democrats).
Nielsen participated in a demonstration along with several hundred Greenlanders with one final goal: A small red wooden building that houses the American consulate in Greenland. The common message was directed directly at Donald Trump: "We will not be annexed by the USA".
American Trump supporters were in Nuuk on Saturday to monitor the protests in the Greenlandic capital.
One of them was Chris Cox, founder of the group Bikers for Trump. He tells Danish TV2 that he wanted to see with his own eyes how Greenlanders react to what is happening. Cox also wants to convey to the residents that Americans are not "tigers who see Greenland as a gazelle".
- We have great respect for Denmark. Their soldiers have fought with us in Afghanistan and Iraq. But that does not make up for their inability to patrol the Greenlandic coast, he says.
Protests against Trump in Nuuk: "Never gathered so many"
Residents gathered in Greenland's capital Nuuk on Saturday to demonstrate against Donald Trump's threat of annexation, Danish media reports.
All of them carried Greenlandic flags and many chanted "Kalaallit Nunaat", the Greenlandic word for homeland, writes Berlingske.
One of the placards described Trump as "A liar, stupid and brain dead"
- I don't think I've ever seen so many people gathered in Greenland. It's really crazy, says Jens Frederik Nielsen, party leader of the liberal Demokraatit (Democrats).
Nielsen participated in a demonstration along with several hundred Greenlanders with one final goal: A small red wooden building that houses the American consulate in Greenland. The common message was directed directly at Donald Trump: "We will not be annexed by the USA".
Middle East Crisis
Political Situation in Israel
Netanyahu Wants to Fire Security Chief After Dispute
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to fire Ronen Bar, the head of the country's internal security service, AFP reports.
Netanyahu and Bar have been involved in an open conflict in recent weeks over reforms to the agency, which has been heavily criticized for failing to prevent the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu says he lacks confidence in Ronen Bar. A new head of the Shin Bet security service will help Israel "achieve its war goals and prevent the next catastrophe," he says.
Netanyahu Wants to Fire Security Chief After Dispute
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to fire Ronen Bar, the head of the country's internal security service, AFP reports.
Netanyahu and Bar have been involved in an open conflict in recent weeks over reforms to the agency, which has been heavily criticized for failing to prevent the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu says he lacks confidence in Ronen Bar. A new head of the Shin Bet security service will help Israel "achieve its war goals and prevent the next catastrophe," he says.
Major split in Gaza ceasefire talks
Late Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israeli negotiators to continue ceasefire talks, AFP reports.
However, he wants the negotiations to be based on a proposal from the US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, which calls for the “immediate release of eleven live hostages and half of the dead hostage.”
The statement came after Hamas said it was ready to release a live Israeli-American hostage, Edan Alexander, and the remains of four other Israeli-Americans in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Israel and Hamas are set for more indirect talks on Sunday about the Gaza ceasefire, AFP reports.
The shift in power in the US
Trump's first term
Hundreds of US companies scrap diversity work
Donald Trump's administration has taken a stand against DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion). US companies that previously embraced these values are now rushing to remove all mentions of them from their annual reports to avoid government scrutiny. This is reported by the Financial Times.
Of the 400 largest companies on the S&P 500 index, over 90 percent have removed references to DEI, and many have abandoned the concept altogether.
Many have also stopped publishing statistics on employee ethnicity and no longer award awards for DEI initiatives.
Hundreds of US companies scrap diversity work
Donald Trump's administration has taken a stand against DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion). US companies that previously embraced these values are now rushing to remove all mentions of them from their annual reports to avoid government scrutiny. This is reported by the Financial Times.
Of the 400 largest companies on the S&P 500 index, over 90 percent have removed references to DEI, and many have abandoned the concept altogether.
Many have also stopped publishing statistics on employee ethnicity and no longer award awards for DEI initiatives.
US border policy
White House ignores judge's demands – hundreds deported to El Salvador
The Trump administration has been transporting hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, despite a federal judge temporarily blocking the deportations, the AP reports.
Judge James E. Boasberg has ordered two planes carrying migrants to return to the United States, but no one has acted.
“Oops, too late,” El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, a Trump ally, wrote on X after the judge’s written order.
The post was shared by White House communications director Steven Cheung.
The migrants were deported after Donald Trump invoked a 1798 martial law with the express purpose of removing members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua cartel from the United States. The decision was blocked by Boasberg because it is unclear whether it is legal.
White House ignores judge's demands – hundreds deported to El Salvador
The Trump administration has been transporting hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, despite a federal judge temporarily blocking the deportations, the AP reports.
Judge James E. Boasberg has ordered two planes carrying migrants to return to the United States, but no one has acted.
“Oops, too late,” El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, a Trump ally, wrote on X after the judge’s written order.
The post was shared by White House communications director Steven Cheung.
The migrants were deported after Donald Trump invoked a 1798 martial law with the express purpose of removing members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua cartel from the United States. The decision was blocked by Boasberg because it is unclear whether it is legal.
Border Policy in the US
Trump Invokes War Powers Act of 1798 for Deportations
Donald Trump has declared that he is invoking the Alien Enemies Act, a war power law from 1798.
The last time the law was used was to put Japanese-American civilians in camps during World War II.
Trump's declaration concerns the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and Trump argues that the United States is under invasion by a hostile force acting on behalf of Venezuela.
On Saturday, a federal judge ruled that Trump cannot use the law to deport five Venezuelans and an upcoming legal battle is now expected, writes AP.
Trump Invokes War Powers Act of 1798 for Deportations
Donald Trump has declared that he is invoking the Alien Enemies Act, a war power law from 1798.
The last time the law was used was to put Japanese-American civilians in camps during World War II.
Trump's declaration concerns the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and Trump argues that the United States is under invasion by a hostile force acting on behalf of Venezuela.
On Saturday, a federal judge ruled that Trump cannot use the law to deport five Venezuelans and an upcoming legal battle is now expected, writes AP.
Trump's film shows violent deportation: "Is a monster"
238 alleged members of the Venezuelan cartel Tren de Aragua have been deported from the US and taken to a huge high-security prison in El Salvador, the country's President Nayib Bukele confirms. There they will serve at least a year in exchange for a payment of six million US dollars, writes AP.
A video shared by both Bukele and Donald Trump shows close-ups of men being forcibly taken onto planes and having their hair and beards shaved. A couple of people are forced to give their names. Everything is accompanied by bombastic music.
The deportation is taking place despite a federal judge in the US deciding to stop the order from the White House. The men are described as migrants and the US government has not provided any detailed information about who they are or reported any criminal convictions, writes Reuters.
"These are monsters sent into our country by Dishonest Joe Biden and radical leftist Democrats," Trump writes on Truth Social.
238 alleged members of the Venezuelan cartel Tren de Aragua have been deported from the US and taken to a huge high-security prison in El Salvador, the country's President Nayib Bukele confirms. There they will serve at least a year in exchange for a payment of six million US dollars, writes AP.
A video shared by both Bukele and Donald Trump shows close-ups of men being forcibly taken onto planes and having their hair and beards shaved. A couple of people are forced to give their names. Everything is accompanied by bombastic music.
The deportation is taking place despite a federal judge in the US deciding to stop the order from the White House. The men are described as migrants and the US government has not provided any detailed information about who they are or reported any criminal convictions, writes Reuters.
"These are monsters sent into our country by Dishonest Joe Biden and radical leftist Democrats," Trump writes on Truth Social.
European security policy
Macron to EU colleagues: Stop buying American
French President Emmanuel Macron has a message for his European colleagues: Buy European defense equipment, not American. He says this in an interview with French media according to Politico.
– Those who buy Patriot air defenses should be offered the new Franco-Italian SAMP/T. Those who buy F-35 fighter jets should be offered the Rafale (manufactured by the French Dassault, editor's note). That way we increase production.
At the same time, European NATO countries have become more dependent on American weapons than ever, according to Politico. Recently, Belgium and the Netherlands stated that they still plan to buy the F-35. However, Portugal has begun to waver due to Trump's foreign policy.
Germany struggles to recruit young people for defense
Germany is facing a huge rearmament project, but one problem is clear: recruiting young people from generation Z to the defense forces. This is reported by the Financial Times.
Many are leaving the military and the number of conscientious objectors is on the rise. The country aims to expand its armed forces to over 200,000 soldiers by 2031, but last year the number shrank instead.
A senior army commander describes the new era of recruits as vulnerable and focused on the balance between work and leisure.
“I understand that. They grew up in a different era, that’s not a bad thing. But it doesn’t fit with wartime.”
The CSU and SPD, who are soon expected to form a coalition government, have ruled out a traditional conscription. Chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz has instead proposed a one-year conscription with both military and non-military options.
Macron till EU-kollegor: Sluta köp amerikanskt
Frankrikes president Emmanuel Macron har ett budskap till sina europeiska kollegor: Köp europeisk försvarsutrustning, inte amerikansk. Det säger han i en intervju med franska medier enligt Politico.
– De som köper Patriot-luftvärn borde erbjudas den nya fransk-italienska SAMP/T. De som köper F-35-stridsflyg borde erbjudas Rafale (tillverkas av franska Dassault, reds anm). På så sätt ökar vi produktionen.
Samtidigt har europeiska Natoländer blivit mer beroende av amerikanska vapen än någonsin, enligt Politico. Nyligen uppgav Belgien och Nederländerna att de fortsatt planerar att köpa F-35. Portugal har dock börjat vackla på grund av Trumps utrikespolitik.
Tyskland kämpar med att värva unga till försvaret
Tyskland står inför ett enormt upprustningsprojekt, men ett problem är tydligt: att rekrytera ungdomar från generation Z till försvarsmakten. Det rapporterar Financial Times.
Många lämnar det militära och antalet vapenvägrare är på uppgång. Landet har som mål att utöka försvarsmakten till över 200 000 soldater år 2031, men i fjol krympte antalet i stället.
En hög befälhavare inom armén beskriver den nya tidens rekryter som sårbara och fokuserade på balansen mellan arbete och fritid.
– Jag förstår det. De har vuxit upp i en annan tid, det är inget dåligt. Men det rimmar inte med krigstider.
CSU och SPD, som snart väntas bilda regeringskoalition, har uteslutit en traditionell värnplikt. Den blivande förbundskanslern Friedrich Merz har i stället föreslagit en ettårig värnplikt med både militära och ickemilitära alternativ.
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