News

TRUMP'S UKRAINE POLICY "UNSETTLES" S. KOREA

2025/02/24 17:00

Hello and welcome to this week's first edition of Press Perspective. It's Monday February 24th here in South Korea. I'm Min Sunhee. Today the world marks three years since Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine AND the latest U.S. efforts to end the Kremlin's aggression against Kyiv are raising quite a bit of concern here in this part of the world about a dramatic shift in Washington's overall foreign policy. For more I have Celio Fioretti with French daily La Croix. Celio it's good to have you here. I also have Cheon Soram with American broadcaster Radio Free Asia. Soram welcome back. 1) Celio, Trump has spoken of a summit with Putin within this month in Saudi Arabia. This will be his first overseas summit since re-entering the White House. What message does this move send to America's allies in Europe? 2) Celio, today in the U.S. though, French President Emmanuel Macron will be meeting with his American counterpart Donald Trump. What can we expect from those talks? 3) Soram, here in Korea,Trump's handling of peace talks for an end to Russian aggression in Ukraine is raising concerns that his future engagement with North Korea may sideline South Korea especially given its political turmoil. Do you share this concern? 4) Celio, how, then, can South Korea make itself relevant to U.S. efforts to engage North Korea? 5) Soram, some pundits have suggested South Korea take on economic initiatives that the Trump administration may allow for North Korea in exchange for the latter's surrendering of its nuclear weapons ambitions. Do tell us more about these suggestions. 6) Celio, American magazine "The Atlantic" compared the foreign policies of the Biden and Trump administrations and claimed Biden had weakened Moscow to the point that it sought support from Pyongyang, but that Trump is "throwing away this leverage" and ultimately "handing the world to China." What are your thoughts? 7) Soram, do you suppose Trump's amicable ties with Putin may be used to coax Kim Jong-un back to the dialogue table? 8) And Celio, with regard to China, CNN carried an interesting piece about Beijing's concerns regarding Trump's turn to Putin. Do tell us more, and do include your thoughts. 9) Soram, Putin has invited both the Chinese and North Korean leaders to Russia's Victory Day celebration in May. We've been told that Trump has also been invited. What would be the broader implications of Trump's accepting this invitation? 10) Celio, Putin's invitation reportedly came a day after Trump called for nuclear weapons control talks among the U.S., China, and Russia. How do you explain this call by Trump? All right.

U.S., Ukraine near deal for Ukrainian critical minerals rights

2025/02/24 17:00

The Trump administration is demanding payback from Ukraine for Washington's support of Kyiv's defense against Moscow's invasion. Park Kun-woo starts us off. U.S. President Donald Trump has sought a deal that would not only have Ukraine repay the U.S. for its financial support for the years, but more on top. The deal calls for the U.S. to take 50 percent of Ukraine's mineral and natural resources revenues worth 500 billion dollars. But the deal would include not only revenue from rare earth, but also uranium, lithium, oil, gas, and even some port revenues. The deal also specifies that U.S. companies must hold 50 percent ownership of Ukraine's rare earth elements deposits. This would allow the U.S. to receive more than three times what was given to Kyiv for its military and humanitarian support in the past three years. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially rejected the deal calling for security guarantees, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said on Sunday the agreement is expected to be signed sometime this week. However, one expert said the situation is more complex. "It's going to be very difficult because Zelenskyy doesn't have the constitutional right even as the president in a time of martial law and war to sign away his country's resources. This is something that will have to be scrutinized by the Ukrainian Parliament and the various expert committees." He added Ukraine has the power to slow down the process while saying U.S. mining companies are less competitive than companies from countries like China and Australia. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy has offered to resign from office, in exchange for a peace guarantee and Ukraine's membership in NATO. "If it's about peace in Ukraine and you really want me to leave my position, I am ready to do that. I can exchange it for NATO membership if there is such an opportunity." However, earlier this month U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Kyiv joining NATO was unrealistic, shooting down any prospects of Ukraine's membership. Washington and Moscow will also be holding talks on improving bilateral relations in the coming days. The Kremlin said that the meeting will involve the Russian Foreign Ministry and the U.S. State Department. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News

World News: Release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is delayed until further notice

2025/02/24 17:00

This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe. In the Middle East Israel has postponed the release of over six hundred Palestinian prisoners, citing concerns, over the humiliating nature of recent hostage return ceremonies conducted by Hamas. On Sunday, local time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the indefinite delay of the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners. This is in response to what Israel describes as "cynical" and demeaning ceremonies orchestrated by Hamas during the handover of Israeli hostages. During the recent release of six Israeli captives, Hamas paraded the individuals before crowds in highly publicized events, a move Israel claims breaches the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu has demanded assurances from Hamas to cease such practices before any further prisoner releases occur. In response, Hamas has accused Israel of not fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire deal. The postponement raises concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire agreement. In Rome, Pope Francis remains in critical condition at the Gemelli Hospital due to a severe respiratory infection and early signs of kidney failure, according to the Vatican. Despite his health challenges, the Pope, aged 88, remains alert and has expressed gratitude for the global prayers supporting him. Also, in a pre-recorded message, he marked the third anniversary of the Ukraine conflict, describing it as a "painful and shameful" milestone for humanity. Meanwhile, dozens of people gathered beneath Pope Francis' hospital window as well as at the Vatican, to pray for his recovery. Finally, in the United Kingdom, Peggy, a five-year-old pug and Chinese crested mix, has won the Best Canine Newcomer award at the Fidos Awards, an Academy Award for dogs, in London. Peggy had been crowned Britain's Ugliest Dog in 2023 for her unique appearance, characterized by her sparse white hair and 텅ue sticking out. Those looks caught the attention of filmmakers, leading her to the role of "Dogpool" in the blockbuster "Deadpool and Wolverine." On set, Peggy charmed co-stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, mastering tricks like jumping into Reynolds' arms. Her journey from rescue dog to successful silver screen star has inspired many to consider adopting rescue dogs. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Germany's conservative CDU wins election, Merz set to become next chancellor

2025/02/24 17:00

In Germany. Friedrich Merz is poised to become the next chancellor as his center-right Christian Democratic Union Party wins the highest proportion of the ballots cast in Sunday's election. Lee Eun-hee has the latest. Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union is expected to win the federal election, positioning its leader Friedrich Merz to become the next chancellor of Europe's largest economy. "We must now quickly regain our ability to act so that we can do the right thing at home; so that we can be present in Europe again; so that the world realizes that Germany is being governed reliably again. That's what the conservatives stand for, that's what we stand for and that's what I personally stand for." On Sunday, initial exit polls showed that Merz's CDU and the allied Christian Social Union secured just under 30-percent of the votes, leaving the center-left Social Democratic Party of current Chancellor Olaf Scholz far behind with approximately 16-percent. In second place was the far-right Alternative for Germany, securing around 20-percent, roughly doubling its result from the 2021 election. The AfD's surge, fueled by growing public concerns over immigration and security, was accompanied by a vow from the party leader to claim first place in future elections. However, despite the party's strong showing, the AfD will not be part of the new government, as all other parties have committed to excluding them from power. With Merz's victory nearly certain, he now faces the task of forming a coalition government which he has vowed to complete by Easter, April 20th. To secure a majority in parliament, Merz will likely need to form alliances with one or more parties, potentially including the SPD, which experienced a dramatic drop from its 2021 result of over 25-percent, marking its worst performance. Despite the open support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party from figures like Elon Musk and U.S. Vice President JD Vance during the election, President Donald Trump welcomed Merz's victory, calling it a "Great day for both Germany and the U.S." Merz, who has never held a ministerial position, has promised to take a strong leadership role in Europe and increase support for Ukraine. In a roundtable TV discussion on Sunday night, Merz remarked that it had become clear in recent days that the Trump administration was "largely indifferent to the fate of Europe." He emphasized that his priority would be to "strengthen Europe as quickly as possible to achieve real independence from the U.S. step by step." Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

President Yoon to have one last chance to defend himself against impeachment on Tuesday

2025/02/24 17:00

Come tomorrow that is Tuesday the final hearing of the impeachment trial against President Yoon Suk Yeol takes place in the afternoon amid much anticipation in the details of the president's upcoming concluding remarks in defense of his short-lived martial law. Our correspondent Oh Soo-young has more. President Yoon Suk Yeol will have one last chance to make his case against impeachment this week, as the Constitutional Court wraps up trial hearings on Tuesday. The 11th and final session comes 73 days after the National Assembly passed a vote to remove him from power, after his December third martial law order. According to the Court, the justices will review the remaining evidence that hasn't been scrutinized yet, before giving both the National Assembly and President Yoon's legal teams two hours to present their closing arguments. Then the Assembly's impeachment panel chair Jung Chung-rae and President Yoon will deliver their final statements with no time restrictions. Chung is expected to wrap up the National Assembly's position that Yoon's declaration of martial law was illegal in both procedure and substance, and that his orders on December third violate Constitutional principles. Meanwhile, Yoon is expected to reiterate arguments previously presented by his legal team,. that martial law is an executive right of the President, and was issued as a "warning" against the dominant opposition party's tyranny in parliament that paralyzed government functions. Yoon has also raised concerns over national security and election fraud. As speculation grows over whether Yoon will present a political compromise or gesture, including a suggestion to revise the amendment to shorten his presidential term, his legal team said Sunday that it is not the President's style to offer conditional measures in order to avoid impeachment. The team said Yoon is currently preparing his final statement and is carefully considering various opinions. Once the hearings conclude, the deliberation period begins. Then, Presiding Justice Cheong Hyung-sik will present his review before all eight justices vote for or against impeachment. The ruling will be drafted based on the majority opinion. The Court will then decide the date to announce the verdict, which is expected within two weeks of the last hearing, likely in around mid-March. If six or more of the eight justices vote in favor of impeachment, President Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a snap presidential election within 60 days. However, if at least three justices oppose impeachment, the motion will be dismissed, and President Yoon will immediately resume his duties. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

S. Korea strongly protests Japan's repeated false territorial claims over Dokdo

2025/02/24 17:00

In other news. This past weekend Japan ruffled diplomatic feathers by laying claim to South Korea's Dokdo Island yet again. Our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji has details. For 20 years, the local government in Japan's Shimane prefecture has been holding annual events, to claim that Dokdo is Japanese territory. A senior Japanese official in charge of territorial issues, Eriko Imai attended this year's ceremony on Saturday. The Japanese government has been sending vice-ministerial-level officials to the annual event, since 2013 when Shinzo Abe served as the country's prime minister. Dokdo, located off South Korea's east coast has long been at the center of diplomatic tension between the two neighboring countries. Japan has claimed sovereignty for decades in its policy papers, public statements, and school textbooks. In response, Seoul's foreign ministry called in Taisuke Mibae, the deputy chief of mission at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, on Saturday to protest. It also urged the Japanese government to immediately abolish the event, stressing that Dokdo is South Korean territory historically, geographically, and under international law. Experts say that it's important for Japan to act responsibly, to forge a better bilateral relationship. "If Japan truly desires to achieve a meaningful relationship with South Korea, I believe the first step is to get rid of this absurd event. I would also like to say it's time for the Japanese government and local authorities to face up to its history and act in a way that will not be shameful to future generations." This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Seoul and Tokyo, but territorial claims over Dokdo continue to remain a major obstacle to improving bilateral ties. Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News.

U.S. commerce secretary encourages investments of at least US$ 1 bil. from Korean companies

2025/02/24 17:00

The Trump administration has called for an investment of at least one billion U.S. dollars from Korean companies in return for business support. Our correspondent Lee Soo-jin reports. Newly appointed commerce secretary U.S. Howard Lutnick has told South Korea's business leaders that they should invest at least one billion dollars in exchange for incentives from the U.S. government. The remark was made during a meeting with a South Korean business delegation led by SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won in Washington D.C. on Friday local time. When a member of the delegation presented a multimillion-dollar investment plan, Lutnick said the U.S. seeks at least one billion dollars in investment, an amount that would qualify for various forms of support from the U.S. government. This comment aligns with the "America First Investment Policy" memorandum that President Donald Trump signed after Lutnick's swearing-in ceremony. That memo states that foreign investments of at least one billion dollars may qualify for expedited "fast-track" regulatory approvals, making it easier for investors from allied nations to complete deals quickly. Lutnick also stressed during the meeting that investments must deliver visible results within Trump's term, such as breaking ground on projects within a year of committing funds, hinting that mere investment pledges without timely action would be unacceptable. Chey, who met with reporters at the two-day Trans-Pacific Dialogue that began on Friday, said that while the U.S. wants more production facilities to be built in the U.S., incentives must also be provided to Korean companies. He also added that the delegation achieved what it set out to do and that the U.S. was interested in the six sectors that were discussed, which include shipbuilding, shipbuilding, energy, nuclear power, AI and semiconductors, and mobility, and materials, parts, and equipment. A White House official who was also present at the meeting echoed this sentiment, saying that while the U.S. has held with over 20 economic delegations, the meeting with the South Korean delegation was the most productive. Lee Soo-jin, Arirang News.

Ukraine spy chief says North Korea is supplying 50% of Russia's ammunition

2025/02/24 17:00

North Korea is supplying half of Russia's ammunition on the front lines of the latter's military campaign against Ukraine. Now this is according to the head of military intelligence in Ukraine's Defense Ministry as reported by Reuters. Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov says North Korea is supplying self-propelled howitzers and multiple rocket launch systems to Russia. Such remarks were shared during a press conference on the eve of the third year of Russian invasion of Ukraine. North Korea in addition to providing weapons to Russia deployed thousands of troops last year to support Russian forces.

What's the ground situation like in Ukraine, and what are the variables in peace talks?

2025/02/24 17:00

And against that backdrop Ukraine today that is February 24th marks a grim milestone of unprovoked Russian assault that has lasted for three years and the latest efforts to restore security and stability are doing little to offer a peace of mind. Our Kim Bo-kyoung files this report. 11-percent of its land has been lost, and the population has decreased by nearly ten million in Ukraine, since Russia began its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Russia has captured most of the four southeastern regions, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Considering land already lost to Russia Crimea and Russian-backed separatists since the conflict began in 2014, the total land Ukraine has lost is about 18-percent. Ukraine launched a surprise offensive last August, capturing Russia's Kursk region, only for it to be recaptured by Russian forces. Now with Donald Trump back in the Oval Office, the war has entered a new phase, with the U.S. and Russia beginning the first step of a series of engagements to bring the war to an end. Excluded from the talks, Europe and Ukraine are scrambling for security measures to deter Russia. One expert says having Europe's own security force will be a must, though it might take some time. "Europe will have to have peacekeeping troops or some type of security forces, however they call it, but it will likely be difficult to form a large number of troops in a very short period of time." Ukraine itself is working to have a U.S. presence in the territory, with Kyiv to, reportedly, soon sign a mineral agreement. The expert says the focal point would be what security measures the U.S. has promised Ukraine in return. "If Ukraine has made such significant concessions, accepting the mineral deal, it is likely that the U.S. made proposals of taking on a role in providing further security guarantees." Even if the U.S. allows Ukraine to be a NATO member in exchange for mineral development rights for rare earth elements whether Russia would tolerate this remains a question. though its original purpose was to just gain Ukraine's territory. Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.

U.S., Ukraine near deal for Ukrainian critical minerals rights

2025/02/24 10:00

The U.S. and Ukraine are nearing a deal that would allow Kyiv to provide Washington with rare earth minerals rights as compensation for billions of dollars in military aid Ukraine has received. Lee Seung-jae reports. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, U.S. Congress has approved some 183 billion U.S. dollars worth of assistance for Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump has sought a deal that would not only have Ukraine repay the U.S. for its financial support for the years, but more on top. The deal calls for the U.S. to take 50 percent of Ukraine's mineral and natural resources revenues worth 500 billion dollars. But the deal would include not only revenue from rare earth, but uranium, lithium, oil, gas, and even some port revenues. The deal also specifies that U.S. companies must hold 50 percent ownership of Ukraine's rare earth elements deposits. This would allow the U.S. to receive more than three times what was given to Kyiv for its military and humanitarian support in the past three years. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially rejected the deal calling for security guarantees, reports indicate that a deal may be near. Speaking to CNN on Sunday, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said the agreement is expected to be signed sometime this week. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy has offered to resign from office, in exchange for a peace guarantee and Ukraine's membership in NATO. "If it's about peace in Ukraine and you really want me to leave my position, I am ready to do that. Secondly, I can exchange it for NATO membership if there is such an opportunity. I'll do it immediately without a long conversation about it." However, earlier this month U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Kyiv joining NATO was unrealistic, shooting down any prospects of Ukraine's membership. Washington and Moscow will hold talks on improving bilateral relations in the coming days. The Kremlin said that the meeting will involve the Russian Foreign Ministry and the U.S. State Department. It's been reported that the two sides have already begun talks to schedule a summit meeting with Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News

Pope Francis in critical condition with early kidney failure but remains alert

2025/02/24 10:00

Over in Rome, Pope Francis remains in critical condition at the Gemelli Hospital due to a severe respiratory infection and early signs of kidney failure, according to the Vatican. Despite his health challenges, the Pope, aged 88, remains alert and has expressed gratitude for the global prayers supporting him. Also, in a pre-recorded message, he marked the third anniversary of the Ukraine conflict, describing it as a "painful and shameful" milestone for humanity. Meanwhile, dozens of people gathered beneath Pope Francis' hospital window as well as at the Vatican, to pray for his recovery.

Release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners is delayed until further notice

2025/02/24 10:00

Moving over to the Middle East Israel has postponed the release of over six hundred Palestinian prisoners, citing concerns, over the humiliating nature of recent hostage return ceremonies conducted by Hamas. On Sunday, local time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the indefinite delay of the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners. This is in response to what Israel describes as "cynical" and demeaning ceremonies orchestrated by Hamas during the handover of Israeli hostages. During the recent release of six Israeli captives, Hamas paraded the individuals before crowds in highly publicized events, a move Israel claims breaches the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu has demanded assurances from Hamas to cease such practices before any further prisoner releases occur. In response, Hamas has accused Israel of not fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire deal. The postponement raises concerns about the fragility of the ceasefire agreement.

Merz claims win for German conservatives

2025/02/24 10:00

Starting with the German election, the country's conservative opposition has claimed victory, defeating the current Chancellor's center-left Social Democratic Party. That's right. Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union, led by Friedrich Merz, has secured victory, positioning him as the next chancellor. On Sunday, the CDU and its sister party the Christian Social Union won the most votes in Germany's recent federal election. They picked up just under 30% of the votes, according to polling institute Infratest. Merz, the CDU leader, declared victory and pledged to reduce Germany's reliance on U.S. security, emphasizing a move towards greater independence. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, finished second, with its strongest postwar performance. The AfD secured about 20% of the vote, reflecting a significant surge attributed to public concerns over migration and economic challenges. The SPD, led by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, experienced its worst postwar result, obtaining around 16.5% of the vote.

President Yoon to have one last chance to defend himself against impeachment on Tuesday

2025/02/24 10:00

President Yoon Suk Yeol will deliver his closing statement at the final hearing of his impeachment trial on Tuesday, after which the justices will deliberate on whether or not the leader should be removed from office. Our Oh Soo-young has more. President Yoon Suk Yeol will have one last chance to make his case against impeachment this week, as the Constitutional Court wraps up trial hearings on Tuesday. The 11th and final session comes 73 days after the National Assembly passed a vote to remove him from power, after his December third martial law order. According to the Court, the justices will review the remaining evidence that hasn't been scrutinized yet, before giving both the National Assembly and President Yoon's legal teams two hours to present their closing arguments. Then the Assembly's impeachment panel chair Jung Chung-rae and President Yoon will deliver their final statements with no time restrictions. Chung is expected to wrap up the National Assembly's position that Yoon's declaration of martial law was illegal in both procedure and substance, and that his orders on December third violate Constitutional principles. Meanwhile, Yoon is expected to reiterate arguments previously presented by his legal team,. that martial law is an executive right of the President, and was issued as a "warning" against the dominant opposition party's tyranny in parliament that paralyzed government functions. Yoon has also raised concerns over national security and election fraud. As speculation grows over whether Yoon will present a political compromise or gesture, including a suggestion to revise the amendment to shorten his presidential term, his legal team said Sunday that it is not the President's style to offer conditional measures in order to avoid impeachment. The team said Yoon is currently preparing his final statement and is carefully considering various opinions. Once the hearings conclude, the deliberation period begins. Then, Presiding Justice Cheong Hyung-sik will present his review before all eight justices vote for or against impeachment. The ruling will be drafted based on the majority opinion. The Court will then decide the date to announce the verdict, which is expected within two weeks of the last hearing, likely in around mid-March. If six or more of the eight justices vote in favor of impeachment, President Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a snap presidential election within 60 days. However, if at least three justices oppose impeachment, the motion will be dismissed, and President Yoon will immediately resume his duties. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

On-point: Will U.S.-Russia peace talks guarantee peace?

2025/02/24 10:00

Just in time for the 3rd anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, peace talks will commence, with Washington leading the dialogue as Trump touted. But will those peace talks guarantee peace? Let's turn to Dr. Robert English. Welcome. 1. Preparations are underway for a face-to-face meetup between the leaders of Washington and Moscow. What kind of talks or even deals do you think the two sides will reach in their summit? How much progress can they make? 2. Ukraine's clearly not happy that it has no role in the peacemaking process. When do you think Ukraine will be invited? When Trump and Putin are done making their own bargains? 3. The U.S. is now pressuring UN member states to persuade Ukraine to withdraw the UN resolution condemning Russia. What is Washington's strategy here? 4. Trump wants Ukraine's minerals in return for ending the war, while Ukraine is insisting on security guarantees and investments as key conditions for a final deal. How can the two sides fine-tune and narrow their differences? 5. Trump argues Ukraine has no cards to play. Is that so? Does Ukraine really not have anything to play? How should Ukraine get through this unfavorable situation? Thanks so much for joining us this morning. We appreciate it.

Ukraine spy chief says North Korea is supplying 50% of Russia's ammunition

2025/02/24 10:00

A Ukraine military spy chief has claimed that North Korea is supplying half of Russia's ammunition that is being used on the frontlines. According to Reuters, Kyrylo Budanov also said on Sunday local time that North Korea has begun supplying 170-mm self-propelled howitzers and 240-mm multiple rocket launch systems to Russia. The remarks were made during a press conference held on the eve of the third year of the war that began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. North Korea, in addition to providing weapons to Russia, deployed thousands of troops last year to support Russian forces.

[Weekly Focus] Key takeaways from U.S.-Russia talks on ending war in Ukraine

2025/02/22 12:00

Officials from the United States and Russia met earlier this week in Saudi Arabia, to discuss how to end the war in Ukraine. But Ukraine was not invited to the talks, leading to concerns. For more details on the outcome of the meeting, we have our foreign affairs correspondent Bae Eun-ji. Welcome. Thanks for having me. 1. So Eun-ji, I understand the talks yielded consensus for setting up a separate team to discuss ending the war. That's right. This was the first high-level talks between the U.S. and Russia since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago in February 2022. The meeting lasted around 4 and a half hours, and the two countries agreed to hold more talks, and decided to appoint 'high-level teams' to put an end to the war as soon as possible. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that he's convinced Russia is willing to engage in a "serious process" of ending the conflict and said this was the first step of a long and difficult journey. "In order to bring an end to any conflict, there has to be concessions made by all sides." Rubio's Russian counterpart described their conversation as "useful," but said his country will not accept NATO troops in Ukraine as part of any peace deal. "We explained today that the presence of troops from NATO countries --under a foreign flag, under the flag of the European Union, or under national flags, it does not change anything. This is, of course, unacceptable to us." 2. But Ukraine and Europe were not at the table. How did they respond to the meeting? Ukraine showed frustration about not being invited to the peace talks. The country's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said negotiations to end the war in Ukraine should not take place "behind the backs of" the parties involved. "You can talk about anything, but no decision can be made without Ukraine on how to end the war in Ukraine. We were not invited to this meeting – the U.S.-Russia meeting in Saudi Arabia -it was a surprise for us, as well as for many." The latest meeting also led to concerns in European countries,.. as being left out of the peace negotiations could also impact their security, especially if they are seen as too favorable to Russia. So, in an apparent move to reassure the European countries, Rubio held phone calls with his counterparts from the UK, France, Germany, and Italy and briefed them on the latest meeting. 3. And what did Trump have to say about concerns from Ukraine and other European countries? Well, U.S. President Donald Trump almost suggested that Ukraine was to blame for a war that began only after Russia's invasion. Let's first take a listen to what he had to say. "But today I heard, well, 'we weren't invited.' Well, you've been there for three years. You should have ended it three years. You should have never started it. You could have made a deal." He warned the Ukrainian leader that he "better move fast" to negotiate an end to the conflict, or risk not having a nation to lead. Trump also hinted that he may meet Russian President Vladimir Putin this month. In response, Putin said he would also like to meet with Trump,.. but stressed they need some time to prepare for an effective meeting. "Therefore, some time is needed. How much time will be needed, I am not ready to answer now. But we have a desire to hold such a meeting, and I would like to hold this meeting." 4. So what can we expect to happen now? It's pretty obvious that Trump wants to strike a deal quickly, and in a way that politically benefits him as he promised during his campaign that he would bring a swift end to the war. Experts believe the peace negotiations will pick up speed if the leaders of the U.S. and Russia meet, but say that does not necessarily mean that the war will be over soon. "Presumably, once Trump-Putin meeting takes place, things will accelerate to bring the war to close. But in some ways, war doesn't end until Ukraine says it's over." Both Trump and Putin are willing to meet soon but for now, it's unclear whether they will be able to meet this month. But if they do meet, it would be the first face-to-face encounter between leaders of the U.S. and Russia since 2021. Alright. We'll have to see how the situation unfolds. Thank you for the wrap-up today Eun-ji. We appreciate it. My pleasure.

President Yoon's impeachment trial to end on February 25

2025/02/21 20:00

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min. The President's impeachment trial will come to a close next week with an 11th hearing that will see the respective sides sharing their final remarks. Eyes are now on the upcoming verdict. Oh Soo-young has our top story. President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial will conclude next Tuesday with his final statement at the Constitutional Court. The Court announced Thursday at Yoon's 10th trial hearing,. that the next and final session would be held on February 25th, some 74 days after the impeachment vote passed at the National Assembly. The bench will review remaining evidence before the National Assembly's legal team and the President's lawyers each make their closing arguments. Then the Assembly panel's Co-Chair Jung Chung-rae and President Yoon will deliver their final remarks. The Court on Thursday held the last round of witness examinations. "The questions focused on whether President Yoon had gone through proper Cabinet procedures before declaring martial law, and whether he'd ordered arrests of key politicians and judicial figures." First up was Prime Minister Han Duck-soo who said there had been anomalies in procedure and substance, compared to a standard Cabinet meeting. He said that the Defence Minister had not consulted him before recommending martial law to the President, as required by the Constitution,.. and said no minutes were taken. Han stopped short of judging whether or not a legitimate Cabinet meeting took place, saying that should be determined through investigative and judicial procedures. Former National Intelligence Service Deputy Director Hong Jang-won who was a witness earlier this month returned for further questioning by Yoon's legal team. Hong previously testified that he'd made note of 14 to 16 figures to arrest under martial law, claiming he'd written it in the night outside the residence of his boss Director Cho Tae-yong. He received the names from Defense Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung, who Hong phoned as the President told him to "help out the commander." But Hong changed his words on Thursday, saying he had been in his office after all. His boss told the Court last week that Hong had lied about his whereabouts citing CCTV footage. As Hong and Yoon's lawyers clashed over the veracity of his note which was reproduced and altered various times, the President spoke out,.. saying the debate misses the point. He said he'd called Hong to encourage him to work with Yeo on hunting down spies, without mentioning martial law. He pointed out Hong was the one who called the Commander, made notes, and then held onto them until he was dismissed from the NIS. National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho also stood witness, after two absences due to illness. He refused to answer most questions due to his own criminal case, but said he testified truthfully to prosecutors. Cho had said Yoon called him six times on December 3rd and told him to arrest lawmakers. Based on past presidential impeachment trials, a verdict is likely to be reached within two weeks around March 11th. Former President Park Geun-hye's impeachment was upheld in 11 days, while former President Roh Moo-hyun's was dismissed in 14 days. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.

Zelenskyy meets Trump’s Ukraine envoy but press conference canceled

2025/02/21 20:00

On the international front. Amid recent tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, Ukraine's President met with Trump's envoy. Zelenskyy called the meeting "productive," but a scheduled joint press conference was cancelled. Choi Min-jung covers this event and more. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg met in Kyiv on Thursday, and held what Zelenskyy called a "productive meeting." Zelenskyy shared on social media that they had a "detailed conversation" about the battlefield situation, the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war, and effective security guarantees, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-Ukraine relations. However, the meeting did not result in significant breakthroughs in securing U.S. support, as evidenced by the cancellation of a planned joint press conference at the request of the U.S. What was supposed to be a media event turned into a brief photo opportunity without remarks or questions. Kellogg's visit to Kyiv came amid escalating tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy. On Wednesday, Ukraine rejected U.S. demands for 500 billion U.S. dollars in minerals as repayment for wartime aid, citing inadequate support from Washington and a lack of security guarantees. Trump's frustration with Zelenskyy is apparent, as he believes Zelenskyy has not taken advantage of the opportunities presented. "Look, President Trump is obviously very frustrated right now with President Zelenskyy. The fact that that he hasn't come to the table, that he hasn't been willing to take this opportunity that we have offered. I think he eventually will get to that point, and I hope so very quickly." Additionally, the U.S. is resisting putting the blame on Russia for the war by opposing the inclusion of "Russian aggression" in a G7 joint statement marking the war's third anniversary. This follows Trump's comments blaming Ukraine for the war and calling Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections." He has also proposed inviting Russia back to the G7. Next week, Trump is set to meet with the leaders of France and the UK to discuss strategies for ending the war in Ukraine and post-war planning. European nations have so far been left without a clear role in the peace talks. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.

Gov't to improve landing facilities and bird strike prevention at 7 airports nationwide

2025/02/21 20:00

New safety measures will be initiated for fire prevention, fishing operations, and aviation. At Friday's meeting between the government and the ruling People Power Party, they announced detailed measures to prevent the recurrence of recent accidents. Following a passenger aircraft accident that resulted in 179 casualties last year, landing facilities and bird strike prevention equipment at seven airports nationwide will be improved. Also, due to consecutive fishing boat capsizings, fishing crews will receive free inflatable life jackets. And nearly 2-thousand construction sites will be urgently inspected until March 17th, while fire safety laws will be revised to prevent massive on-site fires.