This roundup summarises the most important news stories around the world in the last month (February 2025).

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Ukraine marked three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion. However, its geopolitical ties – especially with the United States (US) – have shifted dramatically. Following a call between US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin, the US met with their Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia to discuss a path towards ending the three-year war in Ukraine. Ukraine and European countries were not included in the talks.

Furthermore, in escalating developments, US officials called on Europe to assume more control over its military and security situation, warned against Ukraine’s NATO membership, and said Ukraine may need to concede territory. In the United Nations, the US also opposed a resolution condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine. All these culminated in an explosive public confrontation which was televised, in which Mr. Trump and US vice president JD Vance berated Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. The visit, which was meant to coordinate a peace plan and plans for a rare minerals deal, was cut short.

Overall, the moves signify a significant shift in US foreign policy under Mr. Trump, including closer links with Moscow.

European politics

In Germany, conservatives won the national election and ousted the centre-left after three years in power, but they face complex and lengthy coalition negotiations, as the far-right Alternative for Germany party finished a historic second place. Germany and Europe are navigating shifting global alliances, and voters – who demonstrated the highest turnout since the country’s 1990 unification – expressed persistent concerns over immigration and the economy.

And in France, the prime minister survived two no-confidence votes in parliament.

Other political and geopolitical developments

In Argentina, mirroring the move of US president Donald Trump, the country said it will withdraw from the World Health Organisation. In DR Congo, Rwanda-backed rebels continued the expansion of their control. And in the Philippines, its vice president was impeached by parliament following allegations of corruption and public fund misuse.

Tragedy in Sweden and the US

In Sweden, approximately a dozen people were killed in a school shooting, in the worst mass shooting of the country’s history. And in the US, the collision between Flight 5342 and an army helicopter marked the country’s first major commercial air disaster since 2009. This was followed by the crash of a medical transportation plane and downing of a small passenger plane, marking three major aviation tragedies within weeks.