This week, the US tightened the screws on Ukraine, pausing military aid until Kyiv shows more willingness to negotiate – starting with handing over half its rare earth resources to America. Moscow welcomed the shift, calling it “aligned with the Kremlin’s vision,” while Ukraine scrambled to smooth things over with a letter to Trump. 

Trump also kicked off the biggest protectionist move since 1930, slapping heavy tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Markets tanked, and The Wall Street Journal called it “the dumbest tariff war in history.” By week’s end, signs of a rollback emerged, and Justin Trudeau hit back with his own “Dear Donald” letter. 

In Turkey, a major breakthrough: the PKK declared a ceasefire after its jailed leader called for disarmament, signalling an end to a four-decade conflict that claimed over 40,000 lives. A rare good news story – one that could also extend Erdogan’s rule.

Produced by Gavin Lee, Luis Miguel Cabrera and Guillaume Gougeon.