MicroWave

Summary

As Trump shifts U.S. policy away from Ukraine, European and world leaders are heading to Kyiv on February 24 to show support for President Zelenskyy.

Leaders from Spain, Canada, the EU, and Baltic states will discuss security guarantees as Ukraine marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Trump recently blamed Ukraine for the war and criticized Zelenskyy, sparking backlash from European allies.

Meanwhile, French President Macron has convened emergency meetings to coordinate Europe’s response amid Trump’s efforts to negotiate with Russia without EU input.

Summary

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is organizing grassroots events to oppose Trump’s policies, arguing that “Trumpism does not believe in democracy.”

In an op-ed, Sanders criticized Trump’s ties to Elon Musk, federal budget cuts, and media influence, warning of authoritarianism.

He cited Trump’s recent post likening himself to Napoleon and accused him of disregarding the rule of law.

The White House dismissed Sanders’ concerns, accusing Democrats of authoritarian tactics.

Summary

A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday found that 55% of registered voters believe Elon Musk has too much power in decisions affecting the U.S., while 36% say his influence is appropriate, and 3% say he has too little.

Opinions are divided along party lines, with 96% of Democrats, 56% of independents, and 16% of Republicans saying he wields excessive power.

The poll also indicates growing disapproval of Musk’s role in Trump’s administration.

Summary

DOGE announced on Monday the cancellation of several government contracts, claiming total savings of $16 billion.

However, nearly half of this amount was attributed to an $8 billion contract for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that, upon review, was actually valued at $8 million.

Additionally, a larger reported savings figure of $55 billion lacked detailed documentation.

The ICE contract in question, with D&G Support Services, was intended to provide program and technical support for ICE's Office of Diversity and Civil Rights.

Summary

A Russia-linked propaganda campaign in Germany, disguised as a humanitarian exhibit called "Alley of Angels," is working to erode public support for Ukraine.

Organized by Soviet-born activists, the campaign has ties to Russian intelligence and Kremlin-backed media. German intelligence has reported increased Russian interference ahead of elections.

Documents suggest a GRU officer in Moscow received updates on the campaign’s infiltration of protests.

While organizers deny Kremlin links, evidence points to Moscow’s broader strategy of influencing European opinion and destabilizing German politics amid continued Western support for Ukraine.

Summary

Ukraine is hesitating to sign a U.S.-backed deal that would grant American companies access to 50% of its rare earth minerals in exchange for continued military support.

President Zelenskyy cited legal concerns and the lack of security guarantees.

The deal, pushed by Trump allies, aims to showcase Ukraine’s value to U.S. interests while reducing reliance on Chinese minerals.

However, Kyiv’s 2021 strategic partnership with the EU complicates negotiations, as European leaders resist surrendering shared resources to Washington. Talks remain ongoing.

Summary

Trump announced the U.S. will expand military sales to India, including plans to eventually supply F-35 fighter jets.

No timeline was given, and India’s Foreign Secretary clarified the acquisition process has not yet begun.

The deal reflects India’s shift toward U.S. defense products as Russia’s arms exports decline due to the Ukraine war. India has already purchased over $20 billion in U.S. military equipment since 2008.

The announcement also follows agreements on energy trade and cooperation against terrorism between the two nations.

Summary

Elon Musk and his advisers are pressuring Trump to cancel NASA’s $24 billion Space Launch System (SLS), citing high costs and outdated technology.

GOP lawmakers from Alabama and Texas oppose the move due to job losses and national security concerns.

Critics favor SpaceX’s cheaper, reusable Starship, but supporters argue SLS has already flown successfully and is more powerful.

Former NASA administrator Bill Nelson believes SLS will survive, as Trump likely wants to be the president who oversees the next moon landing.

Summary

Denmark’s Defense Intelligence Service warns that Russia could launch a large-scale war in Europe within five years if NATO appears weak or divided, especially if the U.S. does not intervene.

The report outlines a timeline where Russia could attack a neighboring country within six months, escalate to a regional Baltic conflict in two years, and potentially engage NATO-wide by 2029.

The assessment comes as Trump pressures NATO members to increase defense spending and has suggested the U.S. might not defend allies who fail to meet financial commitments.

Summary

China is deepening its space ties with Africa, particularly Egypt, where a Chinese-backed space lab is assembling satellites.

While presented as a boost for Africa’s space industry, China retains access to satellite data and maintains personnel at these facilities.

The partnerships expand China’s surveillance reach and military capabilities, alarming the U.S. and allies. Beijing denies espionage claims, arguing it promotes global space development.

As the U.S. pulls back on space diplomacy, China’s investments in Africa are securing strategic alliances in the growing global space race.

Summary

The U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports starting March 12, eliminating previous exemptions.

This move has been met with strong condemnation from key trading partners, including Mexico, Canada, and the European Union, who have threatened retaliatory measures.

Businesses across various sectors are grappling with the potential impact, facing increased costs and uncertainty about future investments and supply chains.

Summary

Russia warned of retaliation if the EU seizes more of its "shadow fleet" oil tankers in the Baltic Sea, calling it an attack on Russian territory.

EU countries like Finland, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia are exploring legal ways to detain these vessels, which Russia allegedly uses to evade sanctions and fund its war in Ukraine.

Moscow threatened countermeasures, including boarding Western ships.

Ukraine welcomed the initiative, arguing that disrupting Russia’s oil exports would weaken its war finances. The debate follows Finland’s December seizure of a Russian-linked vessel.